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Stanford Impact Labs (SIL), an initiative within the School of Humanities and Sciences, will welcome economist Matthew Gentzkow as its new faculty director later this year. Matthew Gentzkow is set to assume his new role starting September 1, 2025.

“Stanford Impact Labs has shown how the university can support social science research that takes ideas from the seminar room out into the world,” commented Stanford President Jonathan Levin. Levin emphasized Gentzkow's research's alignment with SIL's mission, highlighting his "creativity, rigor, pragmatism, and humility."

Debra Satz, the dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences, expressed confidence in Gentzkow's appointment. "Matt is an ideal leader for this effort: a phenomenal scholar, whose work is not only of the highest academic caliber, but also relevant to policymakers and citizens," she stated.

Since its inception in the 2019-20 academic year, SIL has focused on collaborating with scholars and practitioners to tackle societal challenges. SIL uses a funding model that emphasizes problem understanding, solution testing, and amplifying results. The organization has already earmarked $32.7 million for 45 impact labs working on diverse issues both in the US and abroad.

Gentzkow, who holds the Landau Professor of Technology and the Economy title, emphasized the significance of social science research in addressing global challenges. “The need for social science to address challenges in our world is bigger than it’s ever been,” he said. Gentzkow appreciates the opportunity to lead an organization committed to expanding and accelerating impactful research.

Prior involvement with SIL saw Gentzkow researching youth smartphone use. Collaborating with researchers from Stanford, Harvard, and Università Bocconi, as well as software company Qustodio, Gentzkow's team focused on creating smartphone policies supporting youth well-being and academic outcomes.

Jeremy Weinstein's foundation of SIL set a precedent for bridging the gap between academia and real-world solutions. Following Weinstein's departure in 2024, Jay Hamilton and Shelley Correll served as interim directors. Gentzkow expressed gratitude, stating, “I’m just so honored to become part of that team, and to have a chance to carry forward the vision that Jeremy, Jay, and Shelley have built into this next chapter.”

Gentzkow, recognized for his research on media bias and digital addiction, received the prestigious John Bates Clark Medal in 2014. His work continues to influence policies surrounding technology and media. His affiliation with the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) further underscores his commitment to impactful research and academic excellence.

SIL's integration into higher education's movement towards public impact illustrates its dedication to fostering collaboration between scholars and practitioners. With Gentzkow at the helm, SIL is poised to continue its mission to create effective change through evidence-based research.