Embedding for Impact: The Power of In-House Behavioral Science Teams in Public Service

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Abstract

The field of behavioral science increasingly focuses on translating research into real-world impact. While traditional approaches rely on external consultants developing temporary interventions, growing evidence suggests embedding behavioral science teams directly within organizations leads to more effective outcomes. This roundtable will explore how a whole-of-institution approach can drive deeper impact compared to smaller demonstration projects ("nudges"). Speakers will share practical experiences implementing this embedded model.

We propose an engaging discussion that features innovative work in embedding behavioral design teams within partner organizations across the country and across fields. This approach is unique in that it durably enhances our partners' behavioral science and design capabilities. With one-off engagements, designers are in and out; with an embedded model, we help build capacity that persists once the engagement is done, reinforcing these skills over time.

Our roundtable will showcase 3 key examples:

1. ideas42's NYC Behavioral Design Team (BDT): Nicole Russo, BDT lead, will present on the team's methodology working within local governments over 10 years, joined by Sola Amusan from The Mayor's Office for Economic Opportunity. They'll explain integrating behavioral insights into partner organizations' operations, building internal capacity, and fostering experimentation culture. They'll highlight specific projects demonstrating how embedding allows continuous feedback loops, leading to more effective behavioral changes.


2. Calbright College: Marisa Bold, VP of Sustainable Growth and District Development, will feature Calbright College, an online community college in California. Our team has embedded within Calbright, collaborating with faculty to use data and behavioral science to develop responsive approaches supporting student outcomes. This case study shows the power of embedded behavioral science addressing educational challenges through collaborative approaches improving student engagement and persistence. We'll discuss applying Research and Development in education and adapting behavioral methods to create scalable solutions serving adult learners nationwide.


3. Philadelphia Behavioral Science Initiative: Swarthmore professor Syon Bhanot cofounded this initiative in 2016, one of the first sustained collaborations between city policymakers and local academics. The initiative has launched over a dozen projects addressing residents' needs, including increasing recycling, expanding bike-share usage, helping homeowners resolve tangled titles, and improving compliance among tobacco retailers.

The panel will be moderated by Brittany Muscato, who helps run ideas42’s Behavioral Design Teams in NYC.

This panel will contribute to the APPAM conference by:

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  Providing practical insights into the implementation of embedded behavioral science teams.

  
  


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  Showcasing real-world examples of successful embedded partnerships.

  
  


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  Discussing the challenges and opportunities associated with this approach.

  
  


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  Offering evidence-based recommendations for organizations seeking to integrate behavioral science into their operations.

  
  

By featuring diverse perspectives and concrete examples, this roundtable will offer valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers interested in leveraging behavioral science to improve public service delivery. We believe that embedding behavioral science teams represents a powerful strategy for achieving lasting impact, and we are eager to share our experiences and contribute to the ongoing dialogue at APPAM.

Policy Area

• Public and Nonprofit Management and Finance

Secondary Policy Area

• Poverty and Income Policy

Moderator

• Cassie Taylor, ideas42

Organizer

• Cheston McGuire, Level Up PR

Speakers

• Marisa Bold, Calbright College

• Syon Pandya Bhanot, Swarthmore College

• Sola Amusan, NYC Mayor's Office for Economic opportunity

• Brittany Muscato, ideas42