Poverty Action Lab

The Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a research organization that focuses on understanding and reducing poverty worldwide. Founded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), it evaluates social programs and policies through randomized controlled trials, a method similar to clinical trials in medicine. By testing what works and what doesn’t, J-PAL provides evidence-based recommendations to governments and NGOs, helping them make informed decisions that can effectively improve the lives of people living in poverty. Their work spans various sectors, including education, health, and economic development, ultimately aiming to enhance welfare and foster sustainable progress.