Applied Social & Behavioural Science

We use the latest evidence from cognitive psychology, social psychology, social neuroscience and other behavioural sciences to advise our clients. In particular, we specialise in the design of behaviour change projects. Some of the services we offer include:

  • Designing behavioural science-based strategies, e.g. social and behaviour change (SBC) strategies, applying behavioural insights or human-centred design (HCD)

  • Running behavioural design processes from beginning to end
  • Designing behavioural science-based programmes using Intervention Mapping and other frameworks
  • Evaluating behavioural science-based programmes
  • Analysing programmatic research for behavioural insights
  • Conducting formative research for behaviour change projects
  • Providing technical support on all aspects of behavioural insights and behavioural design
  • Training on behavioural science and its application to various thematic areas

Here are some examples of projects we worked on.

OAS led SBC formative research to inform phase II of RAES' flagship drama, C'est la Vie. The research was carried out across three countries (Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast and Senegal). Research was led by Sarah, with Amel and Jean-Louis on the team.


Sarah supported Genesis Analytics with applying a behavioural science lens to an ongoing project in South Africa. In 2023, Sarah is supporting Genesis as Technical Director of Long-Term Agreements with UNICEF and WHO.



Sarah provided technical support to Girl Effect teams globally on embedding social and behavioural change processes into their operations.





Sarah worked with Save the Children Indonesia to support the implementation of Program Keluarga Harapan with social and behaviour change design.








Sarah was Team Leader of a three-year social and behaviour change communication project for the Danish Refugee Council on increasing protective behaviour during irregular migration, including the development of a tailored training module for diaspora organisations. She also lead mentoring sessions for each diaspora organisation and guiding them in the development of their communication material.
Sarah worked with World Vision to apply behavioural insights and behavioural design to revamp one of World Vision's flagship programmes, Unlock Literacy. It included testing interventions for teachers and parents. She also supported another team within World Vision to develop a social and behaviour change framework for child protection. In 2023, Sarah was contracted to lead the development of WV's Global SBC Framework.
Sarah was technical lead on the development of a series of social norms transformation guides on behalf of AmplifyChange. She also developed a film script for a how-to guide on social norms transformation as part of the project.
Sarah worked with the Labour Mobility and Human Development team at IOM Libya to apply behavioural science principles to designing a youth development and social mixing project.







Sarah led behavioural insights research for Restless Development Zambia to support them in designing a risk communication and community engagement strategy. She will also be providing guidance in designing behaviourally-informed Covid-19 communications materials.