Thanks to the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, we’ve all become aware of the power of natural language processing (NLP). But what is NLP? BETA explores the common terms and make sense of some of the hype.

2023 was a time of change and excitement at BETA. We started the year with big news, and wrapped up with big data; several of our projects related to workforce issues, including disability and return to work; and we continued to engage with the big issues in behavioural science, connecting with colleagues across the APS and beyond.

How can academics engage with government? BETA is supported by our Academic Advisory Panel (AAP) who provide expert advice on the application of behavioural economics in public policy. In this blog, we share four key tips for academics engaging with government.

How does BETA ensure it applies behavioural insights ethically? Our blog explores the key principles to guide the ethical application of behavioural science in government.

Need to consult the public? BETA shares some lessons from a research approach that can be applied to all kinds of community engagements.

Regulators are increasingly recognising the value of behavioural economics in regulatory design and enforcement. And in 2023, it’s clear that the value of the behavioural perspective extends well beyond nudges.

In 2020 when Australia went into its first round of COVID-19 lockdowns, there was a dramatic uptick in online gambling.

2022 was again a year of change and challenge. BETA’s work program adapted accordingly. We worked on some of the most urgent complex policy problems, including skills shortages, women’s labour force participation and energy prices.

Used extensively in market research and economics, DCEs have a number of qualities which make them great for analysing and understanding the kind of complex choices people make when they buy a smart device or choose a course of study.

This year will go down as one of the most challenging many of us have faced.