Boston Area Research Initiative

BARI’s Mission

The Boston Area Research Initiative (BARI) seeks to spur original urban research on the cutting edge of social science and public policy. In conducting and interpreting this research, BARI seeks to forge mutually beneficial relationships among the region’s scholars, policymakers, practitioners and civic leaders.

BARI’s Strategy

  • Facilitate original, policy-relevant research that also addresses scholarly questions
  • Create two-way “data pipelines” and tools for analysis and mapping
  • Offer scholars and students opportunities to work collaboratively with public officials
  • Convene discussions that bring together researchers and practitioners

Members of the BARI Network Can:

  • Access unique data and research
  • Learn about fellowships and internships
  • Find scholars and practitioners
  • Learn about BARI-related events
  • Share their research and publicize events
BARI is an interuniversity research partnership at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. Funding for BARI’s activities is provided by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the Radcliffe Institute. Key institutional collaborators are the City of Boston and the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston.

Mapping Calls for Service

The timing and location of a year’s worth of service calls to city are shown in a BARI video. > READ MORE

Become Part of the BARI Network

Interested researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and others are invited to become part of the BARI network.  > READ MORE

See Service Calls

Data on more than 65,000 service calls in 76 cities and towns is now available
> READ MORE

Using Technology to Engage Constituents and Improve Governance. Room 20, Building F, West Campus, Northeastern University A panel discussion with: Nigel Jacob, Urban Technologist at Living Cities, and Founder and Co-Chair of the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanic, City of Boston Lauren Lockwood, Chief Digital Offi... MORE

BARI Releases Data on Commonwealth Connect Requests for Service. Data documenting over 65,000 non-emergency requests for government services from 76 Massachusetts cities and towns between 2013 and 2015 is now available from the Boston Data Library and the Boston Research Map. In addition, the data is featured on the February 2016 page of the annual... MORE