The Center for Impact Sciences is pioneering the use of data standardization for social impact. By advancing a uniform language for impact, the Center will empower policymakers and investors to innovate, benchmark, and predict social impact.


Introducing the field of Impact Science

The field of social science has struggled to define its meaning of “science”.  Science is more than just a research methodology; true science is a systematically organized body of knowledge that enables prediction, replication, and generalizability.  

This is the promise of Impact Science. Just as econometrics employs statistics, math and modeling to forecast future economic outcomes, impact science seeks to “harden” social science by using structured data to forecast social outcomes.

The center will explore cutting-edge and disruptive use cases for impact science in the form of new tools, systems and technologies for achieving social impact.  To achieve its mission, the Center for Impact Sciences has four key priorities:

  1. Advancing core components research
  2. Developing probabilistic decision-making models
  3. Standardizing social impact data
  4. Advancing the “S” in ESG

In the News


Learn more about the Center for Impact Sciences.

The Center for Impact Sciences Launch: Jason Saul's Introductory Remarks

The Center for Impact Sciences Launch: Panel on the Future of Evidence for Policymaking

Headshot of Jason Saul
Jason Saul

Jason Saul

Executive Director, Center for Impact Sciences

Jason Saul is one of the world’s leading experts on measuring social impact, advising corporations, federal agencies and philanthropies on how to maximize their impact.

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John A. List
John A. List

John A. List

Kenneth C. Griffin Distinguished Service Professor in Economics; Academic Director, Center for Impact Sciences

John A. List joined the UChicago faculty in 2005, and served as Chairman of the Department of Economics from 2012-2018. His research focuses on questions in microeconomics, with a particular emphasis on using field experiments to address both positive and normative issues.

Read John A. List's full bio.