Dr. Jiaying Zhao

Dr. Jiaying Zhao (aka JZ) is a leading behavioral scientist tackling critical social and environmental challenges with behavioral solutions to promote sustainability. JZ directs the Behavioral Sustainability Lab at the University of British Columbia to design innovative, high-impact behavioral solutions to tackle pollution, waste, and poverty. She is a professor in the Department of Psychology and the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability, the co-author of the forthcoming book “Leave the Lights On: How Joyful Decisions Can Save Our Species” (Penguin Random House) with Dr. Elizabeth Dunn, as well as “Cash Transfers for Inclusive Societies” with Dr. Saugato Datta and Dr. Dilip Soman. JZ holds a King Charles III Coronation Medal and Killam Research Prize. JZ has advised dozens of governments, NGOs, and businesses, including the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the US Social and Behavioral Sciences Team, the OECD International Network on Financial Education, and the Privy Council Office of Canada.