The support program for young researchers in public policy evaluation is part of the redeployment of the LIEPP in partnership with the University of Paris. In 2023, it is open to doctoral students (from the first year of their thesis at the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year) and young doctors (who have defended their thesis less than two years ago, and whose thesis must have been defended after August 31, 2021) whose main affiliation is with a Sciences Po or University of Paris laboratory, regardless of discipline. 

See the complete description of the program in 2023 and the application procedures.

PROGRAM LAUREATES WINNERS FOR 2023/2024 : 

CARTAILLER, Julie, economics, LIRAES (Université Paris Cité): What are young people's preferences for mental health care?

The survey on use, non-Take up and pReferences of young Adults’ mental health CarE (TRACE) aims to provide recommendations about young adults’ mental health (18-30 years old). 

Mental disorders are considered to be the world leading health economic burden, greater than cardiovascular diseases or cancer. Young adults suffer more from mental and addictive disorders than the general population. However, they rarely use mental health care. This implies a significant cost and a loss of quality of life that often lasts the entire life of a patient. 

The TRACE survey aims to estimate the use of mental health care by young adults, its causes and suggest ways of improving their mental health care. These recommendations will be based on young adults’ care preferences to propose support methods that suit them. 

CORCHETE, Charlotte, sociologie, CRIS (Sciences Po): Correcting the consequences of ethno-gender bias in student assessment using a grading scale? A randomized controlled trial with middle school French teachers

In France, recent results have shown that there are performance gaps (not explained by social origin) for boys of North African or sub-Saharan origin in the ninth grade and that potential ethno-gender biases can be activated during grading and school tracking processes (Brinbaum, 2019). The implementation of experiments in education is a good lever to reduce the consequences of potential biases of teachers in order to promote equality.

The first objective of this project is to conduct a systematic literature review of all experiments (2000-2022) to identify the consequences of ethno-gender biases of teachers in the assessment of students (e.g. in relation to grades, behaviour and school tracking).

The second objective is to conduct an experiment that is inexpensive and easy to implement by the public action in order to encourage the use of precise grading scales (already used for the "brevet des collèges") throughout the year for the evaluation of pupils.

DIALLO, Fatoumata, science politique, CERI (Sciences Po): Standardized solutions for sustainable transport. A comparative study of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) implementation processes in Cape Town, Lagos and Île-de-France

Cities have increasingly become crucial actors in finding and implementing solutions to evolve towards sustainable development modes, notably in the sector of transportation. At the turn of the century, one policy model spread across the world: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. BRT networks are transport modes characterized by the circulation of buses on dedicated lanes. BRT became a popular standardized solution heralded by NGOs and development banks praised for its affordability and for the significant positive impacts it could have in terms of sustainability gains in cities. Yet, despite its many iterations throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the BRT’s actual impact on improving sustainability remains questionable. The study questions the role played by BRT as a standardized policy solution in fostering more sustainability in three different contexts: Cape Town, Lagos and Île-de-France. The data shows that while such standardized solutions can bring important sectoral changes and bring sustainable mobility to the fore locally, they encounter mixed results in achieving short-term sustainability gains.

EID, Julia, santé publique, CEPED (Université Paris Cité): Effects on socio-economic and health status of comprehensive support for women in precarious situations living with diabetes, hypertension or obesity in Ile-de-France

Diabetes, obesity and hypertension are chronic diseases which represent a real global epidemic affecting particularly the most disadvantaged populations. Management of these diseases does not rely only on medical treatment but requires profound and long-term changes in lifestyle (diet and physical activity) for people living with these chronic diseases.

Since February 2022, Ikambere association has opened a center for women in precarious situations living with these diseases in Ile-de-France. This service offers comprehensive health and social support.

This research proposes to evaluate the impact of a public policy to reduce social inequalities in health through the prism of this innovative project carried out by Ikambere association, which is widely supported by public institutions for this experiment. 

The aim of this research project is to measure the effects of the center's support on the socio-economic and health situation of the women supported and to identify the mechanisms that lead to these changes. A mixed methods evaluation is conducted as well as a cost analysis.

If benefits are demonstrated, this research will facilitate the dissemination and development of this type of structure.

This dissertation analyzes the lack of representation of young people in political institutions. Shifting the analysis away from questions of youth depoliticization, it looks on the contrary to young candidates that, going against the tide, decide to run for office in local elections. Why and how would someone become a local candidate between 18 and 35 years in major towns? How do municipal institutions, in the broader sense of the term (Wolman, 1995) influence the perception and recruitment of young people? Two aspects will be compared: on one hand, the perception of politics and the background of political actors, and on the other, the way municipalities have sought to adapt to these new cohort of candidates. The research does not aim so much to document already well-known selection biases (gender, life cycle, social class, etc.) but rather seeks to analyze – by looking at actors’ strategies and representations, political groups, and political institutions – the mechanisms through which better representation for all could be achieved in municipalities. 

JEONG, Jiwon, santé publique, CERMES3 (Université Paris Cité): Alcohol use and sexual risk among young adults in France and South Korea

This study aims to contextualize the relationship between alcohol use and sexual risk in the context of cultural norms. It examines representations of alcohol-related sexual risk, exploring the norms and practices constructed in various cultural contexts. This work will allow to identify a group more vulnerable to alcohol-related sexual risks, by identifying the socio-cultural contexts that facilitate or impede these risks.

This study focuses on three research objectives:

1) to contextualize the relationship between alcohol use and sexual risk, and develop a typology of the groups at risk 

2) examine individual and cultural representations of alcohol-related sexual risk, exploring norms and practices

3) determine the social factors underlying the self-stigmatization of people who have experienced alcohol-related sexual risk.

This thesis draws on quantitative and qualitative methods, including a cross-cultural comparison (France-South Korea), to provide an understanding of the dynamics of alcohol-related sexual risk, from the individual to the social level.

KONECHNI, Bartholomew, sociologie, CRIS (Sciences Po): Étude de l'évolution des comportements de protection pendant la crise COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a fundamental challenge to societies across the globe. With few levers to pull on, governments resorted to three basic solutions; coercion, incentives, and eventually vaccination.  These solutions paved the way for new instruments of governance (stay-at-home orders, compulsory mask-mandates, direct economic transfers, vaccination passes, etc) in an effort to shape human behaviour and prevent epidemiological disaster. Whilst many of these policies did effectively reduce the number of cases and deaths , most were difficult to implement in the long-run. With a focus on European and North American societies, this project seeks to answer three broad questions about the development of protective behaviours in response to policy. First, how did compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions evolve over the long run of the pandemic (i.e. March 2020 – December 2021)? Second, how did different policy approaches (coercion, incentives, and vaccinations) impact that evolution? Finally, what factors moderated policy efficacy (i.e. class, trust in government, partisanship)? 

KRAEPIEL, Lucie, sociologie, CSO (Sciences Po): Designing and organizing outpatient care for cardiovascular pathologies: professional and organizational issues

This project is part of the PhD I am currently doing at the Centre de Sociologie des Organisations. The aim is to study and analyse the way in which health establishments (public hospitals, private establishments and ESPICs), and also the professional groups involved, appropriate the incentives to introduce outpatient care, particularly in the treatment of cardiovascular pathologies. 

Ambulatory care has been strongly encouraged over the last twenty years by institutions (Ministry(s), Regional Health Agencies, High Authority for Health) in a more general drive to rationalise costs and practices. They are organisational upheavals that impact both intra- and inter-professional group relations. The aim of this project is to analyse and evaluate the consequences of long-term reforms such as those leading to incentives for ambulatory care on work, professional practices and professional relations within hospital services undergoing those transformations.

LAURITZEN, Felipe, économie, Département d'économie de Sciences Po: Can Public Campaign Funding Change Politicians’ Behaviour? Evidence from Brazil, 2004-2022

My research analyzes the impact of recent electoral reforms in Brazil on politicians' behavior towards citizens and political parties. It examines the influence of campaign finance and innovative policies to reduce private interests. The study builds upon existing literature, focusing on the causal effect of campaign finance on electoral outcomes and the positive effects of banning corporate donations and implementing spending caps. By investigating data on financing, legislative activity, and earmarked transfers, it assesses the influence of campaign donors on politicians' actions. My research uses novel survey data and empirical tools, studying the joint effects of reforms during the 2014-2018 election cycle. The findings contribute to understanding political representation and inform policymakers on improving political systems globally.

LAVIER, Cécile, sociologie, CSO (Sciences Po): Rethinking "vaccine reluctance": a comparative study of HPV and HBV vaccinationsRethinking "vaccine reluctance": a comparative study of HPV and HBV vaccinations

The aim of this thesis is to study the construction and reception of vaccination policies against hepatitis B and human papillomavirus, two vaccinations that immunize against sexually transmitted diseases that can ultimately lead to the development of cancer, but which have been controversial in terms of their efficacy and safety. The comparison between these two vaccinations aims to deconstruct the scientific and institutional discourse that establishes a causal link between these mediatic and legal disputes and vaccination coverage that is deemed unsatisfactory. Based on a qualitative socio-historical study, this research aims to highlight other factors that explain the reception of these preventive measures, by jointly studying the trajectories of these two vaccinations in French policy. 

MAREC Marie-Gaëlle, psychologie, santé publique, sociologie, CRPMS (Université Paris Cité): Evaluation of the practice of Supported Employment in France for people with psychiatric disabilities

The sustainable professional integration of people with mental disabilities is a topical concern, as it is a major factor in social inclusion and recovery. This theme has become the focus of an active international research movement. The supported employment model is now recognized as an evidence-based practice, with numerous studies having established the superior efficacy of this approach for integrating these populations into the mainstream workplace. Developed in many countries, this practice is now recognized and recommended in France by the public authorities (article 52 of law 2016-1088 of August 8, 2016, known as the "loi travail"). 

This research evaluates the implementation of this practice in France by 27 services, particularly in terms of professional integration rates (and job retention) but also by assessing the effects of this practice on the people supported. The skills of employment advisors and the measures put in place by companies to promote the professional integration of people with mental disabilities are also studied.

This project aims to contribute to the development of evaluation and research practices in the medico-social sector, an important area of activity in the field of mental health, and one that is not yet very much associated with academic research practices in France.

MARTINI, Philippe, sciences politique, CERI (Seciences Po): Values and cosmogonic self-determination in the measurement and evaluation of development policies

In the context of international development, indicators enable integration between states and coordination of their development policies, by providing a common language establishing standards and representations that define what development is. Development implies a commonly accepted vision of well-being, which can be disseminated through the use of indicators in the evaluation of public policies. 

In a plural world, some states are faced with the challenge of guaranteeing the self-determination of their development model, based on their own worldview, while the indicators used internationally require standardization of developmental practices and values, to communicate with other international actors.

This paper will attempt to shed light on this dilemma through the case of Bhutan. This Central Asian country is known for its particular way of assessing development through its Gross National Happiness Index, which conceives progress in a multidimensional manner based on a Buddhist cosmogony. Nevertheless, the government would also be compelled to report to international bodies in terms of conventional indicators in order to guarantee the permanence of loans and international assistance. Thus, our research will seek to answer the question "How does Bhutan mediates between the need to communicate internationally and the preservation of its domestic vision of well-being in the evaluation and measurement of its public development policies?"

ROBICQUET, Pierre, sociologie, santé publique, CERMES3 (Université Paris Cité): Sharing mental health? Contrasting dynamics of resource pooling and work specialization in public psychiatry

The organization of mental health in France is based on the coordination of healthcare services, social services, and medical-social services, with the aim of ensuring the continuity of care for individuals living with mental disorders. In an effort to streamline practices and improve efficiency, public authorities have been emphasizing the implementation of a "graded" and "coordinated" approach for nearly a decade. They advocate for a stricter division of roles, confining public psychiatry to a function of treatment rather than assistance and support. However, social science research has shown that government interventions have not succeeded in clarifying the provision of services or breaking free from dependence on the hospital model, which has been significantly weakened to achieve that goal. Several subsets of actors and networks continue to coexist within each territory and hospital, to varying degrees of resistance to change, and their roles are still negotiated locally. The objective of this project is to understand how public health reforms aiming to regulate the provision of mental health services since 2010 have been designed and how they are appropriated by administrators and healthcare professionals in hospitals.

TAIEB, Elora, psycholigie, LaPsyDe (Université Paris Cité): Characterization of socio-economic, cognitive and emotional factors involved in reading and mathematics difficulties in school-age children.

From elementary school onwards, the proper acquisition of reading and mathematical skills is crucial. However, a significant number of children present difficulties with the acquisition of these fundamental skills, though not being diagnosed as "dyslexic" or "dyscalculic". These children, who often come from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds (SES), do not benefit from appropriate help or remediation. 

The precise origin of reading and mathematical difficulties in this population has been little studied and could be multifaceted. In particular, SES could act on the development of cognitive skills, whether specific (e.g., phonological awareness for reading, number comparison for mathematics) or general (e.g., executive functions), but also on emotional skills (e.g., anxiety, resilience).

As such, this project aims at reducing educational inequalities by identifying effective remediation targets for children facing such learning difficulties.

Location is key for attendance to school, especially after the end of compulsory education. Heterogeneity in the supply of higher education programs across a territory might constrain enrolment, which may later account for inequalities in living standards in adulthood. By taking advantage of rich administrative data on French students' schooling trajectories, I assess to what extent relaxing the constraint on local selective program supply can affect students' higher education outcomes. I focus on both preparatory classes to elite graduate schools and vocational two-years selective programs. First, I show that distance to the nearest selective program matters in application and access rates to these types of programs. Then, I rely on time and space variations in opening of new selective programs from 2007 to 2015 to identify the effect of a change in the local supply of higher education. I find that the opening of new classes significantly increases the probability of attending selective programs for pupils studying near or in the high school where the new class opened. Opening new selective programs also reduces students’ probability to enroll at the university, which is usually the closest default higher education option. I find larger effects for students in cities of less than 10 000 inhabitants, and for students from the vocational track in high school with vocational programs openings.

TSOUTSOPLIDI, Olivia, économie, Département d'économie de Sciences Po: Campaign Finance Quotas and Political Representation

This research project seeks to explain and address the most persistent of gender gaps, that of political representation. It evaluates a set of recent reforms in Brazil: (i) a 2018 reform that allocates public funding and free TV/radio time for candidates’ campaigns proportionally to women and Afro-Brazilian candidates; and (ii) a 2021 reform that allocates funding to parties in proportion to the electoral performance of such minority candidates. It compares the relative success of these two quota funding policies to more traditional quotas on candidate lists and explains the different mechanisms through which they affect politics. It uses a quasi-random dimension of the policy to identify its effect on electoral outcomes and candidate selection (political supply channel). It also uses a survey experiment to examine its impact on voter attitudes to identify potential behavioural effects of the policy on electoral outcomes (political demand channel). It aims to build an economic model to analyse the mechanisms through which the quota policy affects political representation, political selection, and the new entrants’ decision. We expect our findings to have concrete policy implications for closing the political gender gap. Its interdisciplinary approach combines theoretical insights from political science and economics with econometric techniques and behavioural experimental methods, to study the effect of quotas on electoral outcomes and policy choices.