Matt Kertman
@mattkertman.bsky.social
Now: Comms at CEGA.Berkeley.edu. Then: Comms for Spark Microgrants, BRAC, ONDA, and more. Alum: Princeton SPIA, Wesleyan, Peace Corps South Africa. Cut my teeth with Bill Moyers.
🚨 Evidence alert: RCT from a @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social / @ox.ac.uk team found that unconditional cash xfers led to 48% ⬇️ infant deaths in Kenya. 🧢 off to team behind this study: Michael Walker, @tedmiguel.bsky.social, Dennis Egger, Nick Shankar, and Grady Killeen.
go.cega.org/cashimpacts
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go.cega.org/cashimpacts
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Cash Transfers Dramatically Cut Infant Mortality in Kenya, New Research Finds
Berkeley, CA (18 Aug. 2025) — With the global development community facing financial upheaval, global development goals increasingly out of reach, and the need for aid greater than ever, new...
go.cega.org
August 21, 2025 at 11:18 PM
🚨 Evidence alert: RCT from a @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social / @ox.ac.uk team found that unconditional cash xfers led to 48% ⬇️ infant deaths in Kenya. 🧢 off to team behind this study: Michael Walker, @tedmiguel.bsky.social, Dennis Egger, Nick Shankar, and Grady Killeen.
go.cega.org/cashimpacts
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go.cega.org/cashimpacts
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The Em Dash Responds to the AI Allegations www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the...
Brilliant. No notes!
Brilliant. No notes!
The Em Dash Responds to the AI Allegations
“In recent months, a curious fixation has emerged in corners of academia: the em dash. More specifically, the apparent moral panic around how it is...
www.mcsweeneys.net
July 30, 2025 at 4:23 AM
The Em Dash Responds to the AI Allegations www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/the...
Brilliant. No notes!
Brilliant. No notes!
Reposted by Matt Kertman
The 13th Africa Evidence Summit kicks off with @deankarlan.bsky.social, Catherine Kyobutungi ( @aphrc.bsky.social) and Emilie Oftedal (@norad.no) discussing how the #globaldev sector can respond to the recent cuts to foreign aid. #AES2025 @cega-uc.bsky.social
June 23, 2025 at 6:43 AM
The 13th Africa Evidence Summit kicks off with @deankarlan.bsky.social, Catherine Kyobutungi ( @aphrc.bsky.social) and Emilie Oftedal (@norad.no) discussing how the #globaldev sector can respond to the recent cuts to foreign aid. #AES2025 @cega-uc.bsky.social
Excited for this stellar line-up of #globaldev leaders looking at the future of foreign aid using #evidence, innovation, and collaboration. CEGA, @busaracenter.bsky.social, and the Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa showing how partnership can chart a path forward and improve lives.
📅 Don’t miss #NairobiEvidenceWeek, June 23-27, a week-long event spotlighting cost-effective, policy-relevant, and inclusive research across disciplines.
Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
Here’s a quick look at what to expect:
June 10, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Excited for this stellar line-up of #globaldev leaders looking at the future of foreign aid using #evidence, innovation, and collaboration. CEGA, @busaracenter.bsky.social, and the Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa showing how partnership can chart a path forward and improve lives.
“This cowardice stands in marked contrast to the bravery of the workers of #USAID, who put themselves in harm’s way and risked their lives to answer this country’s call.”
Sam Power quoted in this fab story from Devex's @elissamio.bsky.social that pulls you right in.
www.devex.com/news/samanth...
Sam Power quoted in this fab story from Devex's @elissamio.bsky.social that pulls you right in.
www.devex.com/news/samanth...
Samantha Power attacks 'cowardice' of Rubio and 'ignorance' of DOGE
Two former USAID administrators delivered a powerful bipartisan defense of the agency’s workforce, condemning the Trump administration’s dismantling of what was once the largest aid agency in the worl...
www.devex.com
May 21, 2025 at 6:44 PM
“This cowardice stands in marked contrast to the bravery of the workers of #USAID, who put themselves in harm’s way and risked their lives to answer this country’s call.”
Sam Power quoted in this fab story from Devex's @elissamio.bsky.social that pulls you right in.
www.devex.com/news/samanth...
Sam Power quoted in this fab story from Devex's @elissamio.bsky.social that pulls you right in.
www.devex.com/news/samanth...
Reposted by Matt Kertman
With global aid budget cuts, evidence is even more crucial.
Executive Director @carsonchristiano.bsky.social calls for investing in research to maximize impact with limited resources, especially in cost-effectiveness initiatives like CEGA's PILCEE program. #econsky
cega.berkeley.edu/article/evid...
Executive Director @carsonchristiano.bsky.social calls for investing in research to maximize impact with limited resources, especially in cost-effectiveness initiatives like CEGA's PILCEE program. #econsky
cega.berkeley.edu/article/evid...
Evidence as an Antidote to Chaos
Carson Christiano is the executive director of the Center for Effective Global Action. Reflecting on the recent changes in federal support for research and the global development community, below...
cega.berkeley.edu
March 11, 2025 at 7:54 PM
With global aid budget cuts, evidence is even more crucial.
Executive Director @carsonchristiano.bsky.social calls for investing in research to maximize impact with limited resources, especially in cost-effectiveness initiatives like CEGA's PILCEE program. #econsky
cega.berkeley.edu/article/evid...
Executive Director @carsonchristiano.bsky.social calls for investing in research to maximize impact with limited resources, especially in cost-effectiveness initiatives like CEGA's PILCEE program. #econsky
cega.berkeley.edu/article/evid...
Sad, sad news. We've lost a great.
1/ Really heartbroken to learn that Kevin Drum, a long time blogger and essayist for @motherjones.com has died after a long battle with multiple myeloma. Here's a note from his wife Marian, who's also set up a memorial page on Facebook. jabberwocking.com/health-updat...
Health Update - Kevin Drum
With a heavy heart, I have to tell you that after a long battle with cancer my husband Kevin Drum passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025. No public memorial services are planned. In lieu of flowers, ple...
jabberwocking.com
March 10, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Sad, sad news. We've lost a great.
Reposted by Matt Kertman
So proud to have co-organized this rally, w/ inspiring + brave speeches from @tedmiguel.bsky.social, @fdoperez.bsky.social, @jenniferdoudna.bsky.social+20 more and 1000+ attendees! We need to keep fighting against the depraved stream of chaos flooding this country and damaging the rest of the world.
That felt good! Great speeches from the Berkeley community, ranging from Nobel Laureate Jennifer Doudna to undergraduate student leaders.
Amazing energy in defense of science, and it felt good to do something positive, even if it's just a small step.
Below is the text I read. #StandUpForScience !
Amazing energy in defense of science, and it felt good to do something positive, even if it's just a small step.
Below is the text I read. #StandUpForScience !
March 8, 2025 at 10:23 PM
So proud to have co-organized this rally, w/ inspiring + brave speeches from @tedmiguel.bsky.social, @fdoperez.bsky.social, @jenniferdoudna.bsky.social+20 more and 1000+ attendees! We need to keep fighting against the depraved stream of chaos flooding this country and damaging the rest of the world.
Scenes from the incredible turnout today at Berkeley's @standupforscience.bsky.social rally. @tedmiguel.bsky.social, @jenniferdoudna.bsky.social, and dozens of researchers, elected officials, and citizens defended science and the jobs, health benefits, and progress it creates for all Americans.
March 8, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Scenes from the incredible turnout today at Berkeley's @standupforscience.bsky.social rally. @tedmiguel.bsky.social, @jenniferdoudna.bsky.social, and dozens of researchers, elected officials, and citizens defended science and the jobs, health benefits, and progress it creates for all Americans.
Reposted by Matt Kertman
Thanks to out @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social community for joining us at Stand Up For Science! @jenniferdoudna.bsky.social spoke about how NIH funding supported her PhD & NSF funding supported her development of #CRISPR genome editing. Federal funding is needed for life-saving science!
March 8, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Thanks to out @ucberkeleyofficial.bsky.social community for joining us at Stand Up For Science! @jenniferdoudna.bsky.social spoke about how NIH funding supported her PhD & NSF funding supported her development of #CRISPR genome editing. Federal funding is needed for life-saving science!
Reposted by Matt Kertman
🏛️ ✊ TODAY: Stand Up For Science at UC Berkeley, CA
🧪
@standupforscience.bsky.social
#standupforscience2025
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@standupforscience.bsky.social
#standupforscience2025
Huge crowd at stand up for science rally at UC Berkeley today #SUFS 🧪🌎🌿
March 7, 2025 at 11:48 PM
🏛️ ✊ TODAY: Stand Up For Science at UC Berkeley, CA
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@standupforscience.bsky.social
#standupforscience2025
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@standupforscience.bsky.social
#standupforscience2025
Reposted by Matt Kertman
“Out of the lab and into the streets, researchers and doctors rally for science against Trump cuts” by @borenbears.bsky.social for @apnews.com. Read more here:
apnews.com/article/scie...
apnews.com/article/scie...
Out of the lab and into the streets, researchers and doctors rally for science against Trump cuts
Researchers, doctors, their patients and supporters are venturing out of labs, hospitals and offices across the country to stand up to what they call an attack on life-saving science by the Trump admi...
apnews.com
March 7, 2025 at 11:42 PM
“Out of the lab and into the streets, researchers and doctors rally for science against Trump cuts” by @borenbears.bsky.social for @apnews.com. Read more here:
apnews.com/article/scie...
apnews.com/article/scie...
Science is an engine of economic, social, and political progress. On Friday, a nationwide movement of scientists + concerned citizens will rally against recent federal actions and orders that have created a risk to our economy, well-being, and society. Berkeley event: standup4scienceberkeley.com.
March 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Science is an engine of economic, social, and political progress. On Friday, a nationwide movement of scientists + concerned citizens will rally against recent federal actions and orders that have created a risk to our economy, well-being, and society. Berkeley event: standup4scienceberkeley.com.
Reposted by Matt Kertman
This is the first page of this morning’s edition of the Globe and Mail (arguably the English Canadian paper of record)
I don’t remember seeing anything like this before
I don’t remember seeing anything like this before
March 5, 2025 at 3:29 PM
This is the first page of this morning’s edition of the Globe and Mail (arguably the English Canadian paper of record)
I don’t remember seeing anything like this before
I don’t remember seeing anything like this before
Reposted by Matt Kertman
ProPublica looked into science grants that Ted Cruz's team flagged as "radical" and "neo-Marxist" and, uh.
This would be good comedy if it didn't matter so much www.propublica.org/article/ted-...
This would be good comedy if it didn't matter so much www.propublica.org/article/ted-...
March 3, 2025 at 3:45 AM
ProPublica looked into science grants that Ted Cruz's team flagged as "radical" and "neo-Marxist" and, uh.
This would be good comedy if it didn't matter so much www.propublica.org/article/ted-...
This would be good comedy if it didn't matter so much www.propublica.org/article/ted-...
Reposted by Matt Kertman
There's an unidentified illness outbreak in the Congo right now. I talked to experts, including a doctor on the ground, about how US aid cuts have hampered the response: www.wired.com/story/race-t...
A Lethal Mystery Illness Is Spreading in Congo. USAID Cuts Have Slowed the Response
Gutting USAID is already having a devastating impact around the world. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, teams that would normally be racing to identify a fatal sickness are gone.
www.wired.com
March 3, 2025 at 8:07 PM
There's an unidentified illness outbreak in the Congo right now. I talked to experts, including a doctor on the ground, about how US aid cuts have hampered the response: www.wired.com/story/race-t...
Reposted by Matt Kertman
Pleased that the ProPublica brand is strong enough that if I casually ask a friend about her workplace, her immediate response is, "Wait, are you investigating us?!"
February 27, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Pleased that the ProPublica brand is strong enough that if I casually ask a friend about her workplace, her immediate response is, "Wait, are you investigating us?!"
This. A million times this.
Tesla lost enough value today that it could have fully funded USAID for a year.
February 28, 2025 at 4:17 AM
This. A million times this.
Reposted by Matt Kertman
Hello from CEGA!
We generate rigorous research on global poverty, using innovative data, methods, and partnerships, to improve the lives of millions.
We also provide policymakers & funders cost-effective strategies to scale evidence-backed solutions for development.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fps...
We generate rigorous research on global poverty, using innovative data, methods, and partnerships, to improve the lives of millions.
We also provide policymakers & funders cost-effective strategies to scale evidence-backed solutions for development.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fps...
CEGA | New insights and tools to improve lives
YouTube video by Center for Effective Global Action
www.youtube.com
February 27, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Hello from CEGA!
We generate rigorous research on global poverty, using innovative data, methods, and partnerships, to improve the lives of millions.
We also provide policymakers & funders cost-effective strategies to scale evidence-backed solutions for development.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fps...
We generate rigorous research on global poverty, using innovative data, methods, and partnerships, to improve the lives of millions.
We also provide policymakers & funders cost-effective strategies to scale evidence-backed solutions for development.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fps...
Reposted by Matt Kertman
It is really hard to watch people willfully tear down an infrastructure that allowed us to double lifespans, drastically reduce poverty, and become one of the richest countries in the world.
February 26, 2025 at 11:16 PM
It is really hard to watch people willfully tear down an infrastructure that allowed us to double lifespans, drastically reduce poverty, and become one of the richest countries in the world.
Difficult to put into words how catastrophic this is for millions of people right now - maybe billions of future lives.
Devex was informed of a case where USAID’s finance team called a staff member's child's school abroad to inquire about refunding tuition they paid — for a child with special needs. “It’s inhumane and humiliating,” one USAID employee said. www.devex.com/news/usaid-s...
USAID staff start receiving termination letters
Employees also received more info on the State Department's coordination team that is tasked with the global recall of the agency's employees.
www.devex.com
February 24, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Difficult to put into words how catastrophic this is for millions of people right now - maybe billions of future lives.
Reposted by Matt Kertman
Hey, university friends… Breathe.
The recent slashing of NIH indirect cost rates is unlikely to survive. It’s another Trump stunt.
Courts will have a say. And so will OMB.
And pharmaceutical companies won’t stand for it. NIH-backed research enjoys a ton of congressional (and lobbyist) support.
The recent slashing of NIH indirect cost rates is unlikely to survive. It’s another Trump stunt.
Courts will have a say. And so will OMB.
And pharmaceutical companies won’t stand for it. NIH-backed research enjoys a ton of congressional (and lobbyist) support.
February 8, 2025 at 4:44 AM
Hey, university friends… Breathe.
The recent slashing of NIH indirect cost rates is unlikely to survive. It’s another Trump stunt.
Courts will have a say. And so will OMB.
And pharmaceutical companies won’t stand for it. NIH-backed research enjoys a ton of congressional (and lobbyist) support.
The recent slashing of NIH indirect cost rates is unlikely to survive. It’s another Trump stunt.
Courts will have a say. And so will OMB.
And pharmaceutical companies won’t stand for it. NIH-backed research enjoys a ton of congressional (and lobbyist) support.
Reposted by Matt Kertman
i don’t even know if crime is the right word for the illegal destruction of USAID. it is an autocratic power grab and a direct attack on the sovereignty of the american people
February 5, 2025 at 3:16 AM
i don’t even know if crime is the right word for the illegal destruction of USAID. it is an autocratic power grab and a direct attack on the sovereignty of the american people