Dr. Izzy Gainsburg

Biography

Izzy Benjamin Gainsburg is a social psychologist and the Associate Director of Stanford University’s Politics and Social Change Lab (PASCL). He plays a crucial role in leading the lab’s research program while cultivating partnerships with government and civil-society organizations. In his work, he translates research findings for practitioners and the public, while also charting the strategic direction of PASCL. His scholarly research is organized around several key areas: Persuasion and Intervention Design, where he focuses on creating and evaluating persuasive appeals that promote prosocial behavior and flourishing, including the exploration of artificial intelligence to enhance these efforts; Compassion, Moral Concern, and Altruism, studying the psychological factors that influence compassion and altruistic behavior toward distant entities; and Meta-Science and Field-Building, which aims to identify and promote high-impact research questions and develop novel methods to maximize social scientists' societal impact. Prior to his current role, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Harvard Kennedy School and also worked at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He earned his Ph.D. in Social Psychology from the University of Michigan in 2020 and his B.A. in Psychology from Tufts University in 2011. In his free time, Izzy enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing sports, cooking, and engaging with nature.

Research Interests

Experience