Bescy is a global, volunteer-led network advancing the practice of applied behavioral science by bridging research, practice, and community across disciplines, sectors, and geographies.
We create inclusive spaces where behavioral scientists, practitioners, policymakers, and students come together to translate behavioral insights into actionable, ethical, and contextually grounded solutions. Our community values inclusivity, transparency, and rigorous critical thinking — recognizing both the power and the complexity of behavior change.
At the heart of our work are five core activities that guide how we build and serve the behavioral science ecosystem:
Community-Building
We foster a global, inclusive network that promotes evidence-based behavioral science and its application across diverse sectors.
Co-Creation of Knowledge
We collaborate to generate case studies, reports, media, and training materials that deepen understanding and bridge theory to practice.
Tool and Method Development
We develop open-source, actionable tools, methods, and practices that strengthen applied behavioral work globally.
Visibility and Access
We work to amplify behavioral science across regions (especially in the Global South), enhancing accessibility and cultural relevance.
Mentorship and Capacity Building
We support and mentor emerging behavioral scientists and practitioners across disciplines, helping shape the next generation of change makers.
Through regular meetings, collaborative casework, peer mentorship, and open-access resources, Bescy is shaping a behavioral science community that is globally representative, ethically grounded, and practically useful for real-world impact.
Chris Nave is a behavioral scientist with over 12 years of experience in higher education as a researcher, editor/reviewer, program builder/manager, advisor, research translator, service provider, and research consultant. Chris was an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Rutgers-Camden, was the founding Managing Director of the Master of Behavioral and Decision Sciences (MBDS) program at the University of Pennsylvania, and currently serves as Director of Behavioral Research Services at the Harvard Business School.
Chris’s research has appeared in top academic journals and resulted in several editorial, reviewing, and advising responsibilities. At Penn, Chris created instructional, networking, and research translation opportunities for MBDS students through Design Challenges with top industry partners, through the creation of a multi-faceted Advisory Board, and in his role as Lead City Organizer and founder of the Action Design Philly chapter. Chris has his PhD in Social-Personality Psychology from the University of California, Riverside, his MA in General Experimental Psychology from Wake Forest University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Elon University.
Ammaarah heads the Capacity Building team at UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Education Peace and Sustainable Development (MGIEP) while assisting and advising the Director on content and managerial matters. She has over ten years of experience in the public service in South Africa, where she served as the Director for Policy, Research and Analysis, focusing on policy development, design and implementation of strategic and innovative programmes in the social sector.
Ammaarah has worked extensively in designing, implementing and evaluating behaviourally informed programmes and interventions, with the view to scale educational impact. Ammaarah also sits on various international advisory groups including the WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Insights and Sciences for Health.
