Data Science and SBC
Thu Jan 22 2026
How can behavioural data science improve social and behaviour change (SBC) programs? Where do machine learning and AI genuinely add value? And what can goat markets teach us about human behaviour?
In this episode, we explore the emerging field of behavioural data science: how it reveals patterns, frictions, and hidden levers in datasets that weren’t necessarily collected with human behaviour in mind.
Recorded at the Behavioural Horizons Workshop at UNICEF’s Office of Strategy and Evidence (Innocenti) in Florence, we hear from behavioural scientists, data scientists, and humanitarian practitioners working at the frontier. They share why better data starts with better questions, why context and culture still matter in a world of algorithms, and how behavioural data science can narrow the gap between evidence, decisions, and people’s lived realities. It’s a candid look at the opportunities, risks, and human choices that determine whether behavioural data science can help drive meaningful behaviour change.
You’ll hear from:
Benjamin Hickler, UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence, InnocentiLuke Montuori, Senior Psychometrician Rebecca Moreno Jimenez, Innovation Team, UNHCR Rafael Batista, Princeton University Chiara Cappellini, Behavioural Science Group, UAE Alexandra DeFilippo, Sistema Futura Patrick Forscher, Busara Center for Behavioural ScienceResources:
Learn more about UNICEF Innocenti (https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/) Learn more about UNICEF BIRD Lab (https://www.unicefbirdlab.org/) The views and opinions expressed by the contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of UNICEF or any entities they represent. The content here is for information purposes only.
The ABCs of SBC is hosted by Qali Id and produced and developed by Helena Ballester Bon in partnership with Common Thread.
Check out UNICEF’s latest publication on Social and Behaviour Change, Hidden in Plain Sight, a celebration of the everyday heroes on the frontlines of public health outbreaks, or the first publication, Why don’t you just behave! For more information about UNICEF SBC, check out the programme guidance.
We care about what you think — you can share your thoughts on the podcast using this feedback form. For all other inquiries, please contact sbc@unicef.org.
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How can behavioural data science improve social and behaviour change (SBC) programs? Where do machine learning and AI genuinely add value? And what can goat markets teach us about human behaviour? In this episode, we explore the emerging field of behavioural data science: how it reveals patterns, frictions, and hidden levers in datasets that weren’t necessarily collected with human behaviour in mind. Recorded at the Behavioural Horizons Workshop at UNICEF’s Office of Strategy and Evidence (Innocenti) in Florence, we hear from behavioural scientists, data scientists, and humanitarian practitioners working at the frontier. They share why better data starts with better questions, why context and culture still matter in a world of algorithms, and how behavioural data science can narrow the gap between evidence, decisions, and people’s lived realities. It’s a candid look at the opportunities, risks, and human choices that determine whether behavioural data science can help drive meaningful behaviour change. You’ll hear from: Benjamin Hickler, UNICEF Office of Strategy and Evidence, InnocentiLuke Montuori, Senior Psychometrician Rebecca Moreno Jimenez, Innovation Team, UNHCR Rafael Batista, Princeton University Chiara Cappellini, Behavioural Science Group, UAE Alexandra DeFilippo, Sistema Futura Patrick Forscher, Busara Center for Behavioural ScienceResources: Learn more about UNICEF Innocenti (https://www.unicef.org/innocenti/) Learn more about UNICEF BIRD Lab (https://www.unicefbirdlab.org/) The views and opinions expressed by the contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of UNICEF or any entities they represent. The content here is for information purposes only. The ABCs of SBC is hosted by Qali Id and produced and developed by Helena Ballester Bon in partnership with Common Thread. Check out UNICEF’s latest publication on Social and Behaviour Change, Hidden in Plain Sight, a celebration of the everyday heroes on the frontlines of public health outbreaks, or the first publication, Why don’t you just behave! For more information about UNICEF SBC, check out the programme guidance. We care about what you think — you can share your thoughts on the podcast using this feedback form. For all other inquiries, please contact sbc@unicef.org.