Population Center

From Evidence to Action

Our Work

We generate evidence, strengthen systems and work with government, communities and partners to translate knowledge into better policy, programs and outcomes.

Areas of Work

Where we focus

Our work spans four broad areas. Within each, we focus on selected questions and issues where our research, data and technical experience can contribute useful evidence and insight.

01

Population, Family Planning & Reproductive Health

Our work examines population dynamics, fertility, family planning and reproductive health, with a focus on generating evidence that can inform policy, programs and service delivery.

Focus Areas

01

Population Dynamics & Demographic Change

Analysis of population growth, fertility, mortality, age structure, migration and demographic transition.

02

Family Planning & Contraceptive Choice

Research on unmet need, contraceptive use, informed choice, access barriers and service-delivery approaches.

03

Reproductive Health

Evidence on reproductive health needs, postpartum and post-abortion care, and access to appropriate services.

04

Population Data & Projections

Use of census, survey and administrative data, projections and analytical tools to support planning.

05

Population, Development & Demographic Dividend

Study of how demographic change interacts with education, employment, health and wider development.

02

Women’s, Maternal & Community Health

Our work generates evidence on women’s and maternal health, community-based care and the service-delivery systems that influence access, quality and continuity of care.

Focus Areas

01

Women’s Health & Wellbeing

Research on women’s health needs, experiences, access to care and the conditions that shape wellbeing.

02

Maternal & Newborn Health

Evidence on pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum care, maternal outcomes and continuity of care for mothers and newborns.

03

Community Health & Engagement

Research and engagement around community-based care, frontline health workers, referrals and access for underserved populations.

04

Quality, Equity & Access

Assessment of barriers in service availability, quality, coverage and equitable access to essential care.

05

Health Systems & Service Delivery

Research and technical support related to public and private providers, facilities and service-delivery models.

03

Adolescents, Gender, Education & Opportunity

Our work examines how gender, education, skills, social norms and economic opportunity shape the lives, participation and prospects of adolescents, young people and women.

Focus Areas

01

Adolescents & Young People

Research on transitions to adulthood, opportunities, risks and the conditions shaping young people’s futures.

02

Girls’ Education & Educational Opportunity

Evidence on access, participation, continuation and barriers affecting girls’ and young women’s education.

03

Youth Empowerment, Skills & Participation

Research on skills, participation, opportunity and the conditions that influence young people’s social and economic engagement.

04

Gender, Equity & Social Norms

Study of gender norms, inequalities and social conditions that influence opportunity, wellbeing and access to services.

05

Women’s Economic Participation

Research on women’s participation in education, work and economic life, and the barriers that affect opportunity.

06

Demographic Dividend & Development

Analysis of how demographic change interacts with education, health, skills, employment and wider development.

04

Population, Climate & Sustainable Development

Our work explores the links between population dynamics, climate vulnerability, health, livelihoods and place to inform resilience, adaptation and development planning.

Focus Areas

01

Population, Climate & Vulnerability

Analysis of how population patterns, poverty, livelihoods and inequality shape exposure and vulnerability to climate risks.

02

Climate Resilience & Adaptation

Research intended to inform preparedness, adaptation and resilience planning for communities and institutions.

03

Population, Place & Spatial Change

Study of settlement patterns, urbanization and spatial change in relation to environmental exposure and risk.

04

Climate, Health & Livelihoods

Exploration of links between climate change, health, reproductive wellbeing, livelihoods and household resilience.

05

Data, Mapping & Climate Analytics

Use of demographic, geospatial and multisectoral data to identify patterns and support climate-responsive planning.

06

Sustainable Development & Policy

Translation of population and climate evidence into policy dialogue, planning and development priorities.

How We Work

From evidence to action

Our approach combines rigorous evidence with evaluation, data systems, policy engagement, communication and service-delivery support to help partners make better decisions and scale what works.

01

Research & Evidence Generation

We conduct quantitative and qualitative research, implementation science, operations research and mixed-methods studies to generate policy-relevant evidence.

02

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

We design impact, process and economic evaluations and use monitoring and feedback to support learning, accountability and program improvement.

03

Data Systems, Surveys & Analytics

We support data systems, design and implement surveys, and develop dashboards and analytical tools to make data more useful for policy and program decisions.

04

Policy Engagement & Evidence Use

We engage policymakers, parliamentarians and government institutions through evidence, dialogue and decision support to inform policy, financing and accountability.

05

Community Engagement, Strategic Communication & Social Change

We engage communities and other stakeholders and develop and test communication approaches, narratives and campaigns involving media, religious leaders and civil society around social and behaviour change.

06

Systems Strengthening, Service Delivery & Technical Assistance

We provide research, technical assistance and capacity strengthening to public and private providers, facilities and institutions on systems, service delivery, quality and implementation.

Across these approaches, we work with government, development partners, civil society, communities and the private sector to strengthen institutions, improve services and translate evidence into policy, programs and practice.

Projects & Programs

Explore our portfolio

Explore current and completed initiatives that show how our research, partnerships, technical expertise and implementation support come together in practice.

Explore Projects & Programs