Lauren Gilbert
@lgilbert.co
researcher, writer, projects georg. currently: geoquant; writer, laurenpolicy.com. formerly: open phil, renphil, qi, ucsd, caltech, etc.
problems with being a long-distance daughter: my parents have a new kitten and I won’t get to meet her for MONTHS
February 15, 2026 at 12:18 AM
problems with being a long-distance daughter: my parents have a new kitten and I won’t get to meet her for MONTHS
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
Jasmin Tendo Mpoza is a very special Malengo student: it turned out her high school degree was ineligible for university admission in Germany, and so she got a new one, remotely and studying by herself in Uganda. She is now getting a BA in International Business at Hochschule Anhalt, Germany.
Introducing the world to our amazing Malengo students, vol. 5:
Please meet Jasmin Tendo Mpoza, who is a Malengo Uganda–University Scholar studying International Business at Hochschule Anhalt, Germany.
youtu.be/PPGo3tYfLBI
Please meet Jasmin Tendo Mpoza, who is a Malengo Uganda–University Scholar studying International Business at Hochschule Anhalt, Germany.
youtu.be/PPGo3tYfLBI
Malengo Scholar Profiles: Jasmin Tendo Mpoza, Uganda–Germany University Scholar
YouTube video by Malengo Inc.
youtu.be
February 13, 2026 at 3:34 AM
Jasmin Tendo Mpoza is a very special Malengo student: it turned out her high school degree was ineligible for university admission in Germany, and so she got a new one, remotely and studying by herself in Uganda. She is now getting a BA in International Business at Hochschule Anhalt, Germany.
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
🆕 Can AI take off in Africa?
Today on Ideas in Development, Rose Mutiso (African Tech Futures Lab) joins @deenamousa.com & I to discuss the need for an energy and digital infrastructure revolution on the continent + how to make it happen.
Listen now @voxdev.bsky.social: voxdev.org/topic/techno...
Today on Ideas in Development, Rose Mutiso (African Tech Futures Lab) joins @deenamousa.com & I to discuss the need for an energy and digital infrastructure revolution on the continent + how to make it happen.
Listen now @voxdev.bsky.social: voxdev.org/topic/techno...
AI in Africa: Barriers, opportunities and policy
Can AI take off in Africa? Rose Mutiso joins us to discuss the need for an energy and digital infrastructure revolution on the continent, and how to make it happen.
voxdev.org
February 10, 2026 at 8:45 AM
🆕 Can AI take off in Africa?
Today on Ideas in Development, Rose Mutiso (African Tech Futures Lab) joins @deenamousa.com & I to discuss the need for an energy and digital infrastructure revolution on the continent + how to make it happen.
Listen now @voxdev.bsky.social: voxdev.org/topic/techno...
Today on Ideas in Development, Rose Mutiso (African Tech Futures Lab) joins @deenamousa.com & I to discuss the need for an energy and digital infrastructure revolution on the continent + how to make it happen.
Listen now @voxdev.bsky.social: voxdev.org/topic/techno...
sometimes I wonder if every powerful man has harassed women and it’s just that I don’t know about all of them
I heard multiple "funny" stories about how "some hot young thing would show up at a convention, and we'd have to send someone to make sure she was never alone in an elevator with Asimov."
February 5, 2026 at 11:03 PM
sometimes I wonder if every powerful man has harassed women and it’s just that I don’t know about all of them
turns out having a mother who is a physical therapist specializing in hands, elbows, and shoulders is very useful
she can provide free consults for when my friends have RSI
(the free consult usually consists of "stop doing the thing that hurts")
she can provide free consults for when my friends have RSI
(the free consult usually consists of "stop doing the thing that hurts")
February 4, 2026 at 8:42 PM
turns out having a mother who is a physical therapist specializing in hands, elbows, and shoulders is very useful
she can provide free consults for when my friends have RSI
(the free consult usually consists of "stop doing the thing that hurts")
she can provide free consults for when my friends have RSI
(the free consult usually consists of "stop doing the thing that hurts")
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
HUGE. A victory for more than a quarter million Haitians with Temporary Protected Status. A significant majority of them entered the United States legally and have never been out of status since.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
BREAKING: Judge Ana Reyes, in DC, issues a stay of DHS Sec. Noem’s decision to end Haiti’s temporary protected status (TPS) designation, a decision that was to go into effect on Tuesday and could have ended legal status for up to 350,000 people overnight. storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
February 3, 2026 at 12:46 AM
HUGE. A victory for more than a quarter million Haitians with Temporary Protected Status. A significant majority of them entered the United States legally and have never been out of status since.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
Even the Trump admin isn't saying Haiti is a safe country for them to go back to.
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
So much of classic political science research is woefully underpowered.
I'm glad we're slowly coming to our senses.
I'm glad we're slowly coming to our senses.
February 2, 2026 at 7:29 PM
So much of classic political science research is woefully underpowered.
I'm glad we're slowly coming to our senses.
I'm glad we're slowly coming to our senses.
email responses may be delayed
February 1, 2026 at 1:25 PM
email responses may be delayed
Does the American melting pot still melt? Yeah, pretty much:
New on Substack, a literature review on immigrant assimilation in the US: www.laurenpolicy.com/p/cultural-a...
New on Substack, a literature review on immigrant assimilation in the US: www.laurenpolicy.com/p/cultural-a...
Immigrant Cultural Assimilation In The United States
Late last year, Vivek Ramaswamy - an Indian-American Republican - published an essay about America as a creedal nation, one defined by ideals rather than by nationality.
www.laurenpolicy.com
January 29, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Does the American melting pot still melt? Yeah, pretty much:
New on Substack, a literature review on immigrant assimilation in the US: www.laurenpolicy.com/p/cultural-a...
New on Substack, a literature review on immigrant assimilation in the US: www.laurenpolicy.com/p/cultural-a...
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
"half of the children interviewed under the age of 12 reported having experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence in school." new @cgdev.org research from @gsmarrelli.bsky.social in the Malawian media
www.zodiakmalawi.com/national-new...
www.zodiakmalawi.com/national-new...
Half of Learners Below 12 Experience School Related Violence
Zodiak Broadcasting Station. Zikachitika Mumvera kwa Ife. We are here to provide you with Breaking news, sport, TV and radio. To Educate, Inform and to..
www.zodiakmalawi.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:45 PM
"half of the children interviewed under the age of 12 reported having experienced physical, emotional and sexual violence in school." new @cgdev.org research from @gsmarrelli.bsky.social in the Malawian media
www.zodiakmalawi.com/national-new...
www.zodiakmalawi.com/national-new...
I truly don’t understand how people without cats live.
What do you mean, no one is lying in wait for you to give them attention the second you open your eyes in the morning?
What do you mean, no one is lying in wait for you to give them attention the second you open your eyes in the morning?
January 25, 2026 at 8:06 PM
I truly don’t understand how people without cats live.
What do you mean, no one is lying in wait for you to give them attention the second you open your eyes in the morning?
What do you mean, no one is lying in wait for you to give them attention the second you open your eyes in the morning?
is the English winter getting you down? Really recommend a truly ludicrous vase.
January 23, 2026 at 11:07 PM
is the English winter getting you down? Really recommend a truly ludicrous vase.
I respect Alexander a lot for writing this piece (even as I disagree with some parts of it).
My pro-immigration misinformation piece that will probably annoy almost everyone is finally out. If you care about democratic trust or are just curious what liberal elites don't want to say out loud, this is for you.
Feel free to tell me why I'm wrong.
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/the-uncomf...
Feel free to tell me why I'm wrong.
alexanderkustov.substack.com/p/the-uncomf...
January 23, 2026 at 1:50 PM
I respect Alexander a lot for writing this piece (even as I disagree with some parts of it).
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
Carney:
"In a time of rising populism and ethnic nationalism, Canada can show how diversity is a strength, not a weakness... Canada can't solve all the world's problems. But we can show that another way is possible. That the arc of history isn't destined to be warped toward authoritarianism".
"In a time of rising populism and ethnic nationalism, Canada can show how diversity is a strength, not a weakness... Canada can't solve all the world's problems. But we can show that another way is possible. That the arc of history isn't destined to be warped toward authoritarianism".
January 22, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Carney:
"In a time of rising populism and ethnic nationalism, Canada can show how diversity is a strength, not a weakness... Canada can't solve all the world's problems. But we can show that another way is possible. That the arc of history isn't destined to be warped toward authoritarianism".
"In a time of rising populism and ethnic nationalism, Canada can show how diversity is a strength, not a weakness... Canada can't solve all the world's problems. But we can show that another way is possible. That the arc of history isn't destined to be warped toward authoritarianism".
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
NEW PAPER! We know that lead exposure is bad, but where is it all coming from?
We show that used lead-acid battery recycling is likely much more important than previously thought - perhaps 1/3 of exposure in LMICs.
LINK: www.cgdev.org/publication/...
w/ @theomitchell1.bsky.social & James Hu
We show that used lead-acid battery recycling is likely much more important than previously thought - perhaps 1/3 of exposure in LMICs.
LINK: www.cgdev.org/publication/...
w/ @theomitchell1.bsky.social & James Hu
January 21, 2026 at 10:49 AM
NEW PAPER! We know that lead exposure is bad, but where is it all coming from?
We show that used lead-acid battery recycling is likely much more important than previously thought - perhaps 1/3 of exposure in LMICs.
LINK: www.cgdev.org/publication/...
w/ @theomitchell1.bsky.social & James Hu
We show that used lead-acid battery recycling is likely much more important than previously thought - perhaps 1/3 of exposure in LMICs.
LINK: www.cgdev.org/publication/...
w/ @theomitchell1.bsky.social & James Hu
In light of current events, I've reposted a review of what we know about undocumented people in the United States: laurenpolicy.com/p/undocument...
tldr: they are largely law-abiding, in work, and pay taxes
tldr: they are largely law-abiding, in work, and pay taxes
Undocumented People In The United States
In light of ICE stepping up interior “enforcement”, I thought I would republish a piece I wrote last year about what we know about the undocumented population of the United States.
laurenpolicy.com
January 16, 2026 at 1:46 PM
In light of current events, I've reposted a review of what we know about undocumented people in the United States: laurenpolicy.com/p/undocument...
tldr: they are largely law-abiding, in work, and pay taxes
tldr: they are largely law-abiding, in work, and pay taxes
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
In winter, Greenland and Iceland move south and that's why we feel cold
January 15, 2026 at 8:27 PM
In winter, Greenland and Iceland move south and that's why we feel cold
The UK has high visa fees to deter migration.
I argue that they are likely *not* to deter people from low-income countries but may deter people from high income countries & the people with the highest labor income: www.laurenpolicy.com/p/the-case-a...
I argue that they are likely *not* to deter people from low-income countries but may deter people from high income countries & the people with the highest labor income: www.laurenpolicy.com/p/the-case-a...
The Case Against UK Visa Fees (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Cross-Subsidization And Love Outside Options)
Merry Christmas!
www.laurenpolicy.com
December 26, 2025 at 1:31 PM
The UK has high visa fees to deter migration.
I argue that they are likely *not* to deter people from low-income countries but may deter people from high income countries & the people with the highest labor income: www.laurenpolicy.com/p/the-case-a...
I argue that they are likely *not* to deter people from low-income countries but may deter people from high income countries & the people with the highest labor income: www.laurenpolicy.com/p/the-case-a...
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
Some good news in this:
* very effective anti-malaria drug!
* non-opioid painkiller!
* gonorrhea vaccine!
and more
* very effective anti-malaria drug!
* non-opioid painkiller!
* gonorrhea vaccine!
and more
@gleech.org, @ulkar.bsky.social and I put together a database of some of the "big if true" scientific results of 2025: frontier2025.netlify.app
The Frontier in 2025
frontier2025.netlify.app
December 17, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Some good news in this:
* very effective anti-malaria drug!
* non-opioid painkiller!
* gonorrhea vaccine!
and more
* very effective anti-malaria drug!
* non-opioid painkiller!
* gonorrhea vaccine!
and more
@gleech.org, @ulkar.bsky.social and I put together a database of some of the "big if true" scientific results of 2025: frontier2025.netlify.app
The Frontier in 2025
frontier2025.netlify.app
December 17, 2025 at 10:21 PM
@gleech.org, @ulkar.bsky.social and I put together a database of some of the "big if true" scientific results of 2025: frontier2025.netlify.app
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
Riding down 101, looking at all the one- and two-story sprawl.
Once again, feeling radicalized.
Forget one billion Americans, I want 100 million Californians.
Once again, feeling radicalized.
Forget one billion Americans, I want 100 million Californians.
December 17, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Riding down 101, looking at all the one- and two-story sprawl.
Once again, feeling radicalized.
Forget one billion Americans, I want 100 million Californians.
Once again, feeling radicalized.
Forget one billion Americans, I want 100 million Californians.
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
The Migration Advisory Committee has published its annual report today
They have supplemented their earlier analysis of the fiscal impact of migrants on skilled work and health/care visas with those on family visas.
Full results below:
www.gov.uk/government/p...
They have supplemented their earlier analysis of the fiscal impact of migrants on skilled work and health/care visas with those on family visas.
Full results below:
www.gov.uk/government/p...
December 17, 2025 at 6:39 PM
The Migration Advisory Committee has published its annual report today
They have supplemented their earlier analysis of the fiscal impact of migrants on skilled work and health/care visas with those on family visas.
Full results below:
www.gov.uk/government/p...
They have supplemented their earlier analysis of the fiscal impact of migrants on skilled work and health/care visas with those on family visas.
Full results below:
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
December 16, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
🚨 Applications are open for the 2026–27 Good Authority Fellowship! 🚨
Political scientists passionate about public engagement will receive a $2,500 stipend and mentorship in writing for broad audiences.
Apply by Jan 9, 2026, 5pm PT.
Apply at the link👇
goodauthority.org/news/announc...
Political scientists passionate about public engagement will receive a $2,500 stipend and mentorship in writing for broad audiences.
Apply by Jan 9, 2026, 5pm PT.
Apply at the link👇
goodauthority.org/news/announc...
Announcing the 2026-2027 Good Authority fellows program!
Apply by Jan. 9, 2026 to join the Good Authority team of contributors.
goodauthority.org
December 4, 2025 at 5:46 PM
🚨 Applications are open for the 2026–27 Good Authority Fellowship! 🚨
Political scientists passionate about public engagement will receive a $2,500 stipend and mentorship in writing for broad audiences.
Apply by Jan 9, 2026, 5pm PT.
Apply at the link👇
goodauthority.org/news/announc...
Political scientists passionate about public engagement will receive a $2,500 stipend and mentorship in writing for broad audiences.
Apply by Jan 9, 2026, 5pm PT.
Apply at the link👇
goodauthority.org/news/announc...
Reposted by Lauren Gilbert
And the results are in! After carefully reviewing the results of a national poll the Board of Directors of the Society for Canadian English (SCE) has determined that this year’s Canadian Word of the Year (CWOTY), the first of its kind, will be “maplewashing.”
December 13, 2025 at 12:50 AM
And the results are in! After carefully reviewing the results of a national poll the Board of Directors of the Society for Canadian English (SCE) has determined that this year’s Canadian Word of the Year (CWOTY), the first of its kind, will be “maplewashing.”