Bridget Gildea
@bridgetgildea.bsky.social
Founder, Curiosity Incubator | Jesus College, Cambridge | Applied Learning UCL Institute of Innovation & Public Purpose
Innovation in Govt, learning that works, behavioural science for good. And books
Innovation in Govt, learning that works, behavioural science for good. And books
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
We're hiring! Please share with your networks! Note: our research associates have a few years of experience - we're most excited about truly excellent scholars who are also known for being kind.
🚨 TPL is hiring a Research Associate Fellow! Are you passionate about using evidence to improve how government serves the public? Do you want to use your research & analytical skills for both social impact and cutting edge research?
Apply here -> peoplelab.hks.harvard.edu/careers/
Apply here -> peoplelab.hks.harvard.edu/careers/
Careers
peoplelab.hks.harvard.edu
July 25, 2025 at 6:10 PM
We're hiring! Please share with your networks! Note: our research associates have a few years of experience - we're most excited about truly excellent scholars who are also known for being kind.
This was a really fantastic workshop and hopefully a good summation of the past 2.5 years of work in creating Phase 1 of applied learning at UCL IIPP. Looking forward to what’s next!
Reform often tinkers at the edges; transformation demands a rethinking of governance structures, civic engagement, and the role of the state itself medium.com/iipp-blog/le...
Learning to Transform: Building Government Capacity for Public Purpose
Reflections on IIPP’s Applied Learning Programme from the Rethinking the State Forum 2025 by Bridget Gildea, Simangaliso Mpofu, Barbara…
medium.com
July 19, 2025 at 8:58 AM
This was a really fantastic workshop and hopefully a good summation of the past 2.5 years of work in creating Phase 1 of applied learning at UCL IIPP. Looking forward to what’s next!
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
Harvard Creates New Public Service Program, as Trump Slashes Federal Jobs
www.nytimes.com
July 18, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
What an amazing public good!
📣 Calling all students and early-career scholars in public policy and public administration:
Together with Hannah Lebovits, we’ve put together a collaborative, evolving resource list to help you navigate the field, no matter where you're starting from.
Together with Hannah Lebovits, we’ve put together a collaborative, evolving resource list to help you navigate the field, no matter where you're starting from.
July 4, 2025 at 12:11 PM
What an amazing public good!
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
An ontological framework for organising and describing behaviours: The Human Behaviour Ontology, wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/9-2... - an important new paper for all behavioural scientists, allowing a coherent, extensive, computer-readable representation of behaviour in all its complexities.
wellcomeopenresearch.org
July 1, 2025 at 9:50 AM
An ontological framework for organising and describing behaviours: The Human Behaviour Ontology, wellcomeopenresearch.org/articles/9-2... - an important new paper for all behavioural scientists, allowing a coherent, extensive, computer-readable representation of behaviour in all its complexities.
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
📣 Congratulations to IIPP Director @marianamazzucato.bsky.social, recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours!
Mazzucato has been awarded a CBE for her groundbreaking work on the theory and practice of economics globally. 🌍👏
🔗 Read more: buff.ly/eQ9uPFR
Mazzucato has been awarded a CBE for her groundbreaking work on the theory and practice of economics globally. 🌍👏
🔗 Read more: buff.ly/eQ9uPFR
June 14, 2025 at 7:30 AM
📣 Congratulations to IIPP Director @marianamazzucato.bsky.social, recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours!
Mazzucato has been awarded a CBE for her groundbreaking work on the theory and practice of economics globally. 🌍👏
🔗 Read more: buff.ly/eQ9uPFR
Mazzucato has been awarded a CBE for her groundbreaking work on the theory and practice of economics globally. 🌍👏
🔗 Read more: buff.ly/eQ9uPFR
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
One week to go to apply to work with me @intellforum.bsky.social @jesuscollegecam.bsky.social - we're looking for a Communications and Events Assistant.
www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/vacancies/in...
Could this be you? Someone you know?
www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/vacancies/in...
Could this be you? Someone you know?
Intellectual Forum Communications and Events Assistant
TheIntellectual Forumat Jesus College is currently seeking a Communications and Events Assistant to support our team across a broad programme ofpublic events, c
www.jesus.cam.ac.uk
June 5, 2025 at 8:28 AM
One week to go to apply to work with me @intellforum.bsky.social @jesuscollegecam.bsky.social - we're looking for a Communications and Events Assistant.
www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/vacancies/in...
Could this be you? Someone you know?
www.jesus.cam.ac.uk/vacancies/in...
Could this be you? Someone you know?
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
My favourite @yaleclimatecomm.bsky.social tool for understanding public opinion on climate is now available for the UK! 🇬🇧
Find out how many people in your area are worried about climate change, have experienced its impacts, support action from the government and more. The answers may surprise you!
Find out how many people in your area are worried about climate change, have experienced its impacts, support action from the government and more. The answers may surprise you!
UK climate opinion maps
Explore UK climate opinions by country, region and local authority
climatecommunication.yale.edu
June 5, 2025 at 4:27 PM
My favourite @yaleclimatecomm.bsky.social tool for understanding public opinion on climate is now available for the UK! 🇬🇧
Find out how many people in your area are worried about climate change, have experienced its impacts, support action from the government and more. The answers may surprise you!
Find out how many people in your area are worried about climate change, have experienced its impacts, support action from the government and more. The answers may surprise you!
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
➡️ Beyond the Chainsaw: Rethinking Efficiency
IIPP Forum 2025 - #RethinkingTheState
Do automation and cost-cutting serve the public good or undermine it? Join us to rethink what efficient governance should look like.
🔗 Learn more and register here: buff.ly/rlWBsXk
IIPP Forum 2025 - #RethinkingTheState
Do automation and cost-cutting serve the public good or undermine it? Join us to rethink what efficient governance should look like.
🔗 Learn more and register here: buff.ly/rlWBsXk
May 29, 2025 at 3:31 PM
➡️ Beyond the Chainsaw: Rethinking Efficiency
IIPP Forum 2025 - #RethinkingTheState
Do automation and cost-cutting serve the public good or undermine it? Join us to rethink what efficient governance should look like.
🔗 Learn more and register here: buff.ly/rlWBsXk
IIPP Forum 2025 - #RethinkingTheState
Do automation and cost-cutting serve the public good or undermine it? Join us to rethink what efficient governance should look like.
🔗 Learn more and register here: buff.ly/rlWBsXk
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
Our discussion paper for #G20 calls for systemic reforms to align finance with public purpose, empower industrial transformation & build resilient economies. Under South Africa’s leadership, the G20 can reimagine global economic governance for a fairer future.
Read here ➡️ g20.org/wp-content/u...
Read here ➡️ g20.org/wp-content/u...
April 29, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Our discussion paper for #G20 calls for systemic reforms to align finance with public purpose, empower industrial transformation & build resilient economies. Under South Africa’s leadership, the G20 can reimagine global economic governance for a fairer future.
Read here ➡️ g20.org/wp-content/u...
Read here ➡️ g20.org/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
This week @iipp-ucl.bsky.social are hosting workshops w senior civil servants across Barbados to dig into country's 6 ambitious missions. What are outcome targets to measure each mission? How do we design a dashboard to monitor progress? More on Barbados missions ➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/pub...
April 23, 2025 at 5:04 PM
This week @iipp-ucl.bsky.social are hosting workshops w senior civil servants across Barbados to dig into country's 6 ambitious missions. What are outcome targets to measure each mission? How do we design a dashboard to monitor progress? More on Barbados missions ➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/pub...
I didn’t know my indoor cactus did this! Happy Saturday, all ✨
April 12, 2025 at 6:29 PM
I didn’t know my indoor cactus did this! Happy Saturday, all ✨
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
✍️Governments and businesses serve vastly different purposes.
IIPP Director @mazzucatom.bsky.social and Co-Deputy Director @rainerkattel.bsky.social expand on these key differences, arguing for public sector reform to focus on long-term capability building.
🔗Read more here: buff.ly/o02kLJZ
IIPP Director @mazzucatom.bsky.social and Co-Deputy Director @rainerkattel.bsky.social expand on these key differences, arguing for public sector reform to focus on long-term capability building.
🔗Read more here: buff.ly/o02kLJZ
April 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
✍️Governments and businesses serve vastly different purposes.
IIPP Director @mazzucatom.bsky.social and Co-Deputy Director @rainerkattel.bsky.social expand on these key differences, arguing for public sector reform to focus on long-term capability building.
🔗Read more here: buff.ly/o02kLJZ
IIPP Director @mazzucatom.bsky.social and Co-Deputy Director @rainerkattel.bsky.social expand on these key differences, arguing for public sector reform to focus on long-term capability building.
🔗Read more here: buff.ly/o02kLJZ
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
Hello—I’m trying to help heal a river: the wild, spectacular Mutehekau Shipu in Nitassinan/Quebec.
We're raising funds to clean up a junk-heap we found c.100 miles up the system. Stove, fridge, oil drums...gah.
Images of river + junk below.
Details & fundraiser here: www.gofundme.com/f/mutehekau-...
We're raising funds to clean up a junk-heap we found c.100 miles up the system. Stove, fridge, oil drums...gah.
Images of river + junk below.
Details & fundraiser here: www.gofundme.com/f/mutehekau-...
April 8, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Hello—I’m trying to help heal a river: the wild, spectacular Mutehekau Shipu in Nitassinan/Quebec.
We're raising funds to clean up a junk-heap we found c.100 miles up the system. Stove, fridge, oil drums...gah.
Images of river + junk below.
Details & fundraiser here: www.gofundme.com/f/mutehekau-...
We're raising funds to clean up a junk-heap we found c.100 miles up the system. Stove, fridge, oil drums...gah.
Images of river + junk below.
Details & fundraiser here: www.gofundme.com/f/mutehekau-...
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
Brutal and scary picture of how teenage girls are feeling
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/04/the-...
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/04/the-...
The rise of teenage girls feeling unsafe at school - FFT Education Datalab
We look at data from the TIMSS study that shows a sharp rise in the proportion of young people who don’t feel safe at school.
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk
April 7, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Brutal and scary picture of how teenage girls are feeling
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/04/the-...
ffteducationdatalab.org.uk/2025/04/the-...
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
Our letter in @financialtimes.com calls on the government to resist spending cuts in the #SpringBudget. After years of stagnation, we cannot cut our way to growth. Public investment is essential for delivering sustainable growth and strengthening our economy.
Read the letter ➡️ bit.ly/4bV89zl
Read the letter ➡️ bit.ly/4bV89zl
bit.ly
March 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Our letter in @financialtimes.com calls on the government to resist spending cuts in the #SpringBudget. After years of stagnation, we cannot cut our way to growth. Public investment is essential for delivering sustainable growth and strengthening our economy.
Read the letter ➡️ bit.ly/4bV89zl
Read the letter ➡️ bit.ly/4bV89zl
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
Universal school meals can deliver not just healthier children, but also economic growth. For @NewStatesman, we explore how school meal procurement can be used to shape markets and drive cross-sectoral innovation, creating jobs while making food systems sustainable.
Read more ➡️ bit.ly/3DpXCiN
Read more ➡️ bit.ly/3DpXCiN
A mission for a better country and economy
Universal school meals are not just good social policy. They can help shape dynamic markets that are green and inclusive
www.newstatesman.com
March 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Universal school meals can deliver not just healthier children, but also economic growth. For @NewStatesman, we explore how school meal procurement can be used to shape markets and drive cross-sectoral innovation, creating jobs while making food systems sustainable.
Read more ➡️ bit.ly/3DpXCiN
Read more ➡️ bit.ly/3DpXCiN
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
📣New Theory, New Practice, New Voices.
IIPP's Strategic Economics Alliance ( @iipp-sea.bsky.social ) bridges the gap between new economic thinking and practice, amplifying historically marginalized voices. @mazzucatom.bsky.social
@cacrisalves.bsky.social
✍️Learn more here: buff.ly/q6CO6ni
IIPP's Strategic Economics Alliance ( @iipp-sea.bsky.social ) bridges the gap between new economic thinking and practice, amplifying historically marginalized voices. @mazzucatom.bsky.social
@cacrisalves.bsky.social
✍️Learn more here: buff.ly/q6CO6ni
March 8, 2025 at 12:00 PM
📣New Theory, New Practice, New Voices.
IIPP's Strategic Economics Alliance ( @iipp-sea.bsky.social ) bridges the gap between new economic thinking and practice, amplifying historically marginalized voices. @mazzucatom.bsky.social
@cacrisalves.bsky.social
✍️Learn more here: buff.ly/q6CO6ni
IIPP's Strategic Economics Alliance ( @iipp-sea.bsky.social ) bridges the gap between new economic thinking and practice, amplifying historically marginalized voices. @mazzucatom.bsky.social
@cacrisalves.bsky.social
✍️Learn more here: buff.ly/q6CO6ni
+1 on this. Overall, UK political commentators skew glib, ill-informed and opinionated about the US in general but it’s especially problematic now for obvious reasons and will continue to get more so for the foreseeable future. Especially as this stuff is what Westminster listens to for analysis
Find Justin Webb on Today on Radio 4 completely unlistenable when it comes to the US: glib, ill-informed and opinionated is the worst possible combination in this moment
March 4, 2025 at 9:33 AM
+1 on this. Overall, UK political commentators skew glib, ill-informed and opinionated about the US in general but it’s especially problematic now for obvious reasons and will continue to get more so for the foreseeable future. Especially as this stuff is what Westminster listens to for analysis
Definitely read this if you haven’t already - bizarrely for a time travel novel, lots of gems for those of us who work on state capacity plus so many more delightful nuggets of ideas in a big zany suitcase stuffed with fun and touching things. 100% will make you cry, in a good way
In happier news (I know it’s not news to most) this is SO enjoyable. Smart, funny, thought provoking and touching. Looking forward to talking to her on Start the Week on Monday. Also time travelling with the Great Auk and Zombie ponds.
March 1, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Definitely read this if you haven’t already - bizarrely for a time travel novel, lots of gems for those of us who work on state capacity plus so many more delightful nuggets of ideas in a big zany suitcase stuffed with fun and touching things. 100% will make you cry, in a good way
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
Yes! And if you live in a Victorian terrace, we’ve published this guide to help you with retrofitting it effectively, to save carbon, make it more comfortable & cheaper to heat! www.5thstudio.co.uk/projects/ret...
February 26, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Yes! And if you live in a Victorian terrace, we’ve published this guide to help you with retrofitting it effectively, to save carbon, make it more comfortable & cheaper to heat! www.5thstudio.co.uk/projects/ret...
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
As the US withdraws from climate commitments, other countries like Brazil are pioneering new approaches to green industrial strategy—focusing on missions like food security rather than just picking sectors. My latest in Foreign Affairs on what's at stake.
Read more ➡️
Read more ➡️
The Broken Economic Order
How to rewire the international system in the age of Trump.
www.foreignaffairs.com
February 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM
As the US withdraws from climate commitments, other countries like Brazil are pioneering new approaches to green industrial strategy—focusing on missions like food security rather than just picking sectors. My latest in Foreign Affairs on what's at stake.
Read more ➡️
Read more ➡️
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
@harvardkennedy.bsky.social asked a few of us to comment on the first weeks of DOGE. Read the perspectives of a wide range of faculty: www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-rese...
Analyzing DOGE actions one month into Trump’s second administration
Faculty analysts at Harvard Kennedy School reflect on President Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency one month into the new administration.
www.hks.harvard.edu
February 20, 2025 at 1:46 PM
@harvardkennedy.bsky.social asked a few of us to comment on the first weeks of DOGE. Read the perspectives of a wide range of faculty: www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-rese...
Amazing week in Brasilia; remain so impressed by the public policy work in Brasil, 11 years after I started working with the govt there. Can’t wait to see and hear what’s next! Até a próxima
Great to meet with Brazil’s Vice President Geraldo Alckmin & Secretary Uallace Moreira yesterday to discuss how the tools of government can be designed to advance Brazil's industrial strategy missions & deliver green growth.
Read more:
Green and Just Planet ➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/pub...
Read more:
Green and Just Planet ➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/pub...
February 20, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Amazing week in Brasilia; remain so impressed by the public policy work in Brasil, 11 years after I started working with the govt there. Can’t wait to see and hear what’s next! Até a próxima
Reposted by Bridget Gildea
Na próxima semana estarei em Brasília de 17 a 19 de fevereiro para uma série de eventos, com base em nosso último relatório @ucl-iipp.bsky.social Transformação do Estado no Brasil para @gestaogovbr.bsky.social
Mais sobre nosso relatório aqui ➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/pub...
Mais sobre nosso relatório aqui ➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/pub...
February 13, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Na próxima semana estarei em Brasília de 17 a 19 de fevereiro para uma série de eventos, com base em nosso último relatório @ucl-iipp.bsky.social Transformação do Estado no Brasil para @gestaogovbr.bsky.social
Mais sobre nosso relatório aqui ➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/pub...
Mais sobre nosso relatório aqui ➡️ www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/pub...