Who we are
We’re a team of social scientists passionate about social justice and social impact. We use Data, Behavioural Science, and Experiments to make the world a better place.
Dr Joseph Sherlock
Dr Joseph Sherlock is Co-Director of Renewal Lab and Assistant Professor of Public Policy at King’s College London. He was previously a Principal Scientist at Duke University. His research focuses on how to mobilise voters and change behaviours for the good.
He has worked for more than a decade in applied behavioural science, consulting governments and private companies, as well as in the UK Civil Service. He has a PhD in Behavioural Science from the London School of Economics.
Co-Director
Professor Michael Sanders
Michael Sanders is Co-director of the Renewal Lab, and a Professor of Public Policy at King’s College London. He was previously the first Chief Scientist of the Behavioural Insights Team, also known as the world’s first nudge unit, and the founding Chief Executive of What Works for Children’s Social Care.
His research focuses on how to use experiments and data to improve outcomes. He holds a PhD from the University of Bristol and completed postdoctoral research at the Kennedy School for Government at Harvard.
Co-Director
Research AssociateAbigail Worrell
Abi Worrell is an Associate at Renewal Lab and a Doctoral Researcher in the School for Government at King’s College London.
Her doctoral research looks into the attitudes and behaviours of different generations, with a particular focus on understanding Gen Z through data and experimentation.
Alongside this work, Abi is leading a large scale trial of a social justice intervention in UK prisons, and previously worked on the UK arm of the World Values Survey.
Abi holds an MA in Conflict, Security and Development from King’s College London. She also has a BA in Peace, War and Defence and Religious Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Research AssociateShaye Hopkins
Shaye Hopkins is an Associate at Renewal Lab and behavioural scientist. Her work aims to help organizations design better systems, tools, and communications. She aims to use evidence-based strategies that improve well-being, reduce conflict, and drive behaviour change.
She is a doctoral researcher at the Vienna University of Economics and Business, where she conducts research on how to address topics such as polarization and misinformation.
Previously, she was a researcher at Duke University, leading applied studies and experiments on governance, public trust, and financial inclusion.