Publications
While our publications are all listed here, they are easier to browse on our research page.
Research in Brief: Scientific capacity in sub-Saharan Africa
This post summarizes research that Rethink conducted in 2022 for into scientific capacity in sub-Saharan Africa. The main aim of this project was to understand whether it could be a high-impact grantmaking area for Open Philanthropy.
A review of GiveWell’s discount rate
The primary focus of this report is to review GiveWell’s current formulation of its discount rate by recommending improvements and reinforcing justifications for areas that do not require improvement.
An overview of market shaping in global health: Landscape, new developments, and gaps
This report provides an overview of how market shaping is typically used in global health, its recent track record, and ongoing gaps in its implementation. The researchers also spotlight two specific market shaping approaches: pooled procurement and subscription models.
An overview of the WHO Essential Medicines List: procedures, usage, and potential improvements
The primary focus of this report is to provide a review of the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List (EML). The researchers explain how the EML is developed and used, and how it could be improved for a greater global health impact.
Better weather forecasting: Agricultural and non-agricultural benefits in low- and lower-middle-income countries
This report is a “shallow” investigation commissioned by Open Philanthropy. This primary focus of the report is to assess weather forecasting as a potential agricultural intervention in low- and lower-middle income countries and to examine the cost-effectiveness of different interventions.
Exposure to Lead Paint in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
This report is a “shallow” investigation commissioned by GiveWell. The primary focus of the report is to provide an overview of what is currently known about the exposure to lead paints in low- and middle-income countries.
How effective are prizes at spurring innovation?
This report is a “shallow” investigation and was commissioned by Open Philanthropy and produced by Rethink Priorities. Open Philanthropy does not necessarily endorse our conclusions. The primary focus of the report is a literature review of the effectiveness of prizes in spurring innovation and what design features of prizes are most effective in doing so. We also spoke to one expert. We hope this report galvanizes a productive conversation about the effectiveness of prizes within the effective altruism community. We are open to revising our views as more information is uncovered.