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Our Approach

We work with policy change agents to identify and answer research questions that they most need answered.

Strategic Science

We use an approach in our research that we call Strategic Science, because it involves being strategic in our selection of research topics and questions so as to increase the effectiveness of behavioral policies. To carry out this policy-relevant research, we collaborate with change agents who are in a position to make or influence policy when designing our research questions. After we carry out our rigorous research, we are committed to communicating it to change agents who can use it to inform policy.

Our change agent partners include government policymakers, regulators, legal officials, community groups, national and international health advocacy organizations, and companies, among others.

The Strategic Science Model

To address gaps in knowledge that are important to policy decisions:

1. Identify change agents

2. Ask strategic questions

3. Conduct rigorous research

4. Communicate results to change agents

Brownell & Roberto, Lancet, 2015

Increasing the Effectiveness of 
Behavioral Policies

Scientists’
Questions

Venn diagram with two overlapping circles—one light blue and one peach colored with the middle bright pink, of fruit and vegetables vs sweets and fast food.

Policymakers’
Questions

Strategic Science Approach

We often work with policymakers and influencers to identify and answer the research questions that they most need answered. We call this approach Strategic Science because it involves being strategic in our selection of research topics and questions so as to increase the effectiveness of behavioral policies.

Examples of our Research Informing Change 
Agents & Policies

We conducted research and partnered with the CT Attorney General to stop the widespread roll-out of a misleading food labeling program. 

We have submitted public comments to inform the FDA’s rulemaking process for a front-of-package nutrition labeling system in the U.S.

Our work informed the national restaurant menu labeling provision of the Affordable Care Act.

We contributed to research that led Pennsylvania to reconsider their enrollment processes for the WIC program so it is easier for people to access those benefits.

We worked closely with the Philadelphia Department of Health to conduct research that informed their sodium warning label policy.

We partnered with the Philadelphia Department of Health to conduct research that contributed to a large reduction in the number of Philadelphians who were having their water shut off because they could not afford to pay their bills.

We worked with advocacy groups to generate research and testimony that has informed local added sugar warning labels bills, including New York City’s bill to require added sugar warning labels on restaurant menus.

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