A recent paper by the Maxwell X Lab in partnership with the city of Chicago and the U.S. Behavioral Insights Team (BIT) has been honored with the Journal of Behavioral Public Administration’s Best Paper of the Year award.

Titled “Reducing Friction in Public Programs: Behavioral Interventions to Increase Return Rates of At-Home Lead Water Test Kits,” the paper was co-authored by X Lab Director Leonard Lopoo and alumni Sarah Souders ’25 Ph.D. (PA), assistant professor at American University’s School of Public Affairs, and Emily Cardon ’13 M.P.A./’22 Ph.D. (PA), director of BIT.

The paper shared findings of a research project that was funded by Bloomberg and aimed to increase public participation in at-home lead water testing in Chicago, which has more lead water lines than any other city in the U.S. While residents are offered free testing kits, a complicated process likely resulted in low participation, according to Lopoo.

The researchers tested three interventions among participants. One group received standard instructions, another received simplified instructions, and the third received both the new instructions and a text reminder.

The team found that the text reminder made people more than twice as likely to return their kits, and the new instructions increased returns by 20 percent.

“Importantly, the interventions were effective across income levels, underscoring how thoughtful design and behavioral insights can make public services more equitable and accessible,” Lopoo said. “This study shows the value of simple behavioral interventions and how they can lead to large improvements in major public health issues.”

Shana Kushner Gadarian, associate dean for research, echoed the sentiment. “The study and resulting paper shows the importance of real world, small interventions in improving the lives of everyday citizens,” she said. “Their work will no doubt help Chicago policy makers interact more effectively with their residents and benefit the city as a whole.”

Co-founded by Lopoo in 2017, the X Lab uses data, behavioral science and real-world testing to improve the effectiveness of government and nonprofit programs.

The Journal of Behavioral Public Administration’s Best Paper Award honors outstanding research that advances the use of behavioral science in public service. The journal is a peer-reviewed, interdisciplinary publication focused on behavioral and experimental research in public administration.

Lopoo serves as associate dean and chair of the Public Administration and International Affairs Department. He is also the Paul Volcker Chair in Behavioral Economics, a senior research associate in the Center for Policy Research, and a research affiliate in the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health. His research focuses on behavioral interventions in the public and nonprofit sectors.

By Mikayla Melo