In this engaging discussion, Kelsey Piper talks with Adam Marblestone, CEO of Convergent Research, and Paul Niehaus, an economics professor and co-founder of GiveDirectly. They delve into the complex factors influencing scientific production, from funding ecosystems to selecting impactful research questions. The trio emphasizes the importance of innovative funding and the cultural dynamics within science. They also explore the balance between academic convention and groundbreaking research, advocating for clearer communication to enhance public trust in science.

Paul Niehaus, economist and expert in cash transfers, discusses the case for giving unconditional cash to the world's poorest households. They cover the empirical evidence on cash transfers' impact on economic growth and how it compares to employment programs, as well as GiveDirectly's initiatives in Kenya, Malawi, and Liberia. They explore the political viability of universal basic income, recipient preferences for cash distribution, and tackling fraud and theft. The podcast also touches on the potential influences of cash transfers, regional variation in effectiveness, and the multiplier effect in small economies.

Paul Niehaus, co-founder of GiveDirectly, discusses the impact of giving cash directly to people living in extreme poverty. He explores the logistics of implementing digital cash transfers in Sub-Saharan Africa and the positive outcomes it can have on nutrition, teen pregnancies, child marriages, and mental health. The podcast also explores the feasibility of eradicating global poverty through cash transfers, government partnerships and innovations during the pandemic, and the role of higher tax rates in fighting poverty.

Join Professors Heidi Williams and Paul Niehaus, along with Emily Oehlsen from Open Philanthropy and Jim Savage from Schmidt Futures, as they unravel the art of experimentation in metascience. Discover how careful evaluation can inform policy-making and improve research quality. They tackle the complexities of impact evaluations, share insights from the RISE program on identifying talent through innovative methods, and discuss the importance of evidence-based practices in philanthropy for real-world change.

Paul Niehaus, an expert in poverty alleviation, discusses the intricacies of cash transfer programs. He explores the debate over universal versus targeted cash transfers, emphasizing the importance of context in designing programs. The conversation touches on the growing interest in Universal Basic Income and its potential political ramifications. Niehaus also highlights lessons learned from cash transfer research in Kenya, advocating for strategies that prioritize the needs of the most disadvantaged while ensuring efficiency in public finance.