How can we predict impact?

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

Read about the Center for Impact Sciences in the news:

Learn more about the Center for Impact Sciences. 

The Center's Launch Event in Washington DC

 

Contact Us

To get involved or learn more about the Center for Impact Sciences, email Jason Saul.

 

Jason Saul

Executive Director, Center for Impact Sciences

Jason Saul

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.
 
John List

Associated Faculty and Academic Director, Center for Impact Sciences

John A. List

John A. List is the Kenneth C. Griffin Distinguished Service Professor in Economics at the University of Chicago. He received his B.S. in economics at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and Ph.D. in economics at the University of Wyoming.

Data
News

Harris Public Policy Announces Center for Impact Sciences

Harris Public Policy today announced the formation of the Center for Impact Sciences, an initiative to make evidence-based analysis more accessible and actionable for policymakers across all levels of government and the nonprofit sector.