For Researchers

IPA works with researchers to help them start and manage field experiments.

Because of the scope and complexity of many field research projects, researchers often require assistance with the management and monitoring of studies on the ground. We believe that the expansion of our research network is important to meet the impact evaluation needs of governments, policy makers, and partners. We encourage any researcher interested in conducting impact evaluations to explore the possibility of working with IPA. The advantages of partnering with IPA for a rigorous evaluation are numerous:

IPA has extensive experience conducting field experiments around the world.

IPA works in 43 countries, including the United States, and we have country offices in 14 countries. IPA’s research network spans the disciplines of development economics, psychology, public health, education, business and public policy.

IPA has developed an effective infrastructure for supporting rigorous research in the field.

Staff at headquarters in the finance, research support, human resource, information technology and communication, and legal departments work closely with country directors and support staff in country offices, as well as project staff worldwide to supervise and support the implementation of field experiments.

IPA knows how to guide implementing institutions through the evaluation process.

This close collaboration allows the needs and interests of implementers and beneficiaries to be incorporated into the study, resulting in an easier process for both researchers and the implementer, and a richer set of conclusions from the evaluation.

IPA communicates and disseminates results effectively to help policymakers and practitioners make evidenced-based decisions.

We complement researcher’s academic publications with materials that are timely and easy to access through our website, annual report, and other venues.

On a very practical level, here are some examples of systems in place at IPA to help researchers with all phases of a research project and to ensure the high quality of all research: 

• New Research Development: We work with existing and potential research network members, as well as partner organizations and donors, to identify possibilities for collaboration amd match researcher interests with relevant opportunities for evaluation.

• Research Review Committee: IPA’s Research Review Committee reviews new research studies for design, feasibility (including context and budget), and fit with IPA's mission, and can ultimately increase the quality and relevance of IPA studies through guidance and feedback.

• Staff Training: We organize yearly staff trainings for all new field staff. These trainings offer guidance on human subjects protocols, communication with Principal Investigators, project documentation, communication with partners, experimental design, designing data collection instruments, contracting survey firms, hiring and managing surveyors, monitoring data collection, data entry and cleaning, analysis, and reporting. 

• Survey Design, Survey Technology and Data Management: IPA can help design surveys, provide access to a database of fielded survey instruments and a detailed Field Manual on running RCTs; provide expertise in BLAISE programming and other electronic surveying technology; and provide general support, guidance, and reference materials on Stata.

• Recruiting and Hiring: IPA has developed a comprehensive set of human resource policies and procedures. We assist researchers with the hiring and recruitment process for project staff, and administer a benefits package for all IPA employees.   

• Financial management: IPA has a dedicated finance team which manages expenditures, accounting, and payroll for each IPA research project. The US-based Grants Administrators are responsible for grant management, including communicating with donors, invoicing, creation of financial reports, and filing of reports to donors.

For more information, please contact the Project Development team. .