The Boston Area Research Initiative (BARI) is a civic research partnership focused on Greater Boston. Launched in 2012 by Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, it grew from discussions among Harvard researchers, city officials and civic leaders about producing research relevant to local policy. In 2016, BARI moved its administrative home to Northeastern University’s School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs and became a joint venture of Northeastern and Harvard. 4
BARI’s stated mission is to pursue civic research that advances social, economic and environmental justice in collaboration with Greater Boston communities. Its work connects researchers with public agencies, community organisations and civic leaders, using data to examine urban challenges and inform policy. 289 Its activities include research-policy partnerships, the Boston Data Portal, which makes emerging data sources accessible for research and practice, and support for the region’s civic data community through grants, events and an online network. 3
The initiative also works on public education. Its programs help community leaders and young people develop research and data skills, and its educational partnerships create opportunities for K–12 students to share civic research. 10 The annual BARI Conference is a major convening point: the 2026 event, held at Northeastern, was described as Greater Boston’s 10th annual Insight-to-Impact Summit. 1
BARI is directed by Northeastern professor Daniel T. O’Brien; Kimberly Lucas is its associate director for civic research. 211 Its geographic focus is Greater Boston, while its institutional partnership spans Northeastern and Harvard. 34