Dr. Nicholas Christakis

Biography

Nicholas Christakis is a sociologist and physician who conducts research in the fields of social networks and biosocial science. He directs the Human Nature Lab, where current research is mainly focused on understanding the social, mathematical, and biological rules that govern the formation of social networks, referred to as 'connection.' His work explores the social and biological implications of how these networks operate and influence thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, a concept often termed 'contagion.' The lab utilizes both observational and experimental methods to study these phenomena, applying techniques from sociology, computer science, biosocial science, demography, statistics, behavioral genetics, evolutionary biology, and epidemiology. Furthermore, his research has important policy implications regarding how the spread of diverse phenomena within networks can be exploited to improve health outcomes and foster desirable properties in groups, such as cooperation and innovation. The lab conducts field experiments, including large-scale, online network experiments and randomized controlled trials, particularly in developing world contexts where networks are painstakingly mapped. Additionally, his work examines the biological determinants and consequences of social interactions, with a particular emphasis on the genetic origins and evolutionary implications of social networks.

Research Interests