The Social Policy Lab (ISLAB), in collaboration with J-PAL, the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, invites eligible candidates and institutional partners to apply for the Research Accelerator Residency Program. This 12-month program supports early-career scholars in strengthening their research skills in impact evaluation, social policy, and development economics, while advancing independent or collaborative research projects relevant to Uzbekistan.
Selected residents will receive mentorship and technical training, along with access to selected courses from the MIT MicroMasters Program in Data, Economics, and Development Policy (DEDP). These courses provide advanced training in development economics, data analysis, and the design and implementation of randomized evaluations to assess the effectiveness of policies and programs.
The residency combines practical research development with institutional support, aiming not only to advance individual projects but also to strengthen the national research ecosystem, expand the community of scholars conducting rigorous, policy-relevant research, and foster long-term leadership in impact evaluation across the region.
Residency Highlights
Training
Participants will complete a structured training program consisting of: (1) One in-person advanced technical workshop and (2) two online courses from the MIT DEDP MicroMasters program:
Designing and Running Randomized Evaluations
Data Analysis for Social Science
Participants will follow the online lectures with the support of a dedicated teaching assistant, who will provide guidance and answer questions throughout the courses.
Residency at ISLAB
Residents will spend time working closely with researchers at the ISLAB, participating in training sessions and collaborative discussions. During the residency, participants will gain practical experience conducting research in real-world social policy contexts and develop advanced analytical and coding skills through mentorship.
Institutional Recognition
Residents will be formally recognized as Research Accelerator Residents on the Social Policy Lab website, increasing the visibility of their work within national and international policy and research communities.
Research Development
Residents will develop and refine their research proposals with guidance from faculty and researchers affiliated with J-PAL and the Social Policy Lab. Participants will receive mentorship throughout the entire research cycle depending on the stage of their projects — from project design and methodological refinement to analytical strategy and publication preparation. Projects demonstrating strong potential may receive support in identifying future funding opportunities through partner institutions and donor organizations.
Networking
Residents will participate in seminars, workshops, and research exchanges with local and international scholars. These activities provide opportunities to build professional relationships with individuals and institutions working in evidence-based policy and development research.
14 April 2026
Rolling basis, ending 30 April 2026
12 May 2026