2026 Conference

Sunday, June 7 - Monday, June 8, 2026

(Program begins Sunday afternoon on June 7)

Harvard Kennedy School

Conference Co-Chairs: Jennifer Lerner, Elizabeth Linos, Julia Minson

Join us as we connect behavioral scientists, policy-makers, and practitioners to explore cutting-edge research that can strengthen societies through better information, communication, and decision-making.

This year's theme is: Strong Societies Need Good Information

Join leading behavioral scientists, executives, policymakers, and journalists at our annual Conference to explore the latest insights from applied behavioral science research addressing today’s social challenges. The 2026 BSPA Conference will bring together more than 250 behavioral scientists, policymakers, executives, and members of the media, featuring renowned speakers such as Danielle Allen, Iris Bohnet, Amira Boland, Gretchen Chapman, Robert Cialdini, Angela Duckworth, Nicholas Epley, Baruch Fischhoff, Crystal Hall, Michael Hallsworth, Morela Hernandez, Ezra Karger, Judd Kessler, Julia Lee Cunningham, Betsy Levy Paluck, Julia Minson, Steve Martin, Danny Oppenheimer, Todd Rogers, Cass Sunstein, Philip Tetlock—plus many more to come.

BSPA Conference is held in collaboration with Duke Behavioral Science & Policy Center, Behavioral Grooves, and Behavioral Scientist.

Call for Nominations

2026 BSPA PUBLICATION AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN BEHAVIORAL POLICY

For research that advances the rigorous application and development of behavioral/social science to policy and practice in public, private and non-profit sectors. Its goal is to encourage work that has potential to improve the quality of life of individuals and/or organizations. We will consider all research published, in journals or as books, in the years 2022-2025. The date must be the in-print date rather than the online date.

The submission deadline is April 6, 2026.

Winners will be announced at the BSPA Conference, June 7-8, 2026.

Learn more:

With the common goal of exploring ways to collaborate to serve the public interest, our speakers will discuss how behavioral insights can enhance private and public-sector practice, helping bridge the divide between behavioral scientists and practitioners.

Thank you to our sponsors

Join as a member

There is a growing movement among public and private sector leaders to help bridge the divide between behavioral research and policy. We are a key part of this movement — as an information hub and as a community builder, fostering collaboration and connecting those applying behavioral science to specific problems for the greater good. We need you to join us in making this effort have a lasting impact.