Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative Launches the Wharton Causal Data Science Lab, Led by Professor Dylan Small

The Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative (WAIAI) is proud to introduce the Wharton Causal Data Science Lab (WCDSL), a new research lab dedicated to advancing the science of causal inference and its application to real-world business and policy challenges. Led by Dylan Small, Universal Furniture Professor and Professor of Statistics and Data Science, the Lab aims to develop methods to identify cause-and-effect relationships in complex real-world settings.

From evaluating public safety laws to understanding the long-term impact of youth sports participation, the Lab’s work informs smarter, more evidence-based decision-making. With a mission rooted in both precision and purpose, the Lab brings together students, researchers, and industry partners to co-create solutions with measurable impact.

Through WAIAI, the Lab provides students with expanded learning opportunities, including new courses and summer research programs. These initiatives empower students to work with real data and deliver actionable insights to public and private sector organizations.

“Understanding underlying causes is fundamental to making informed decisions in both business and public policy,” says Professor Small. “Our Lab is committed to producing research that not only advances causal methodology but also addresses timely societal issues.”

From firearms safety and mental health to sports, education, and public policy, the Lab’s growing body of research is already shaping discussions at the intersection of data and decision-making. Through partnerships with organizations, policymakers, and interdisciplinary scholars, the Lab will continue to build pathways for causal data science to influence systems for the better.

“Professor Small’s leadership combines deep statistical rigor with an exceptional focus on real-world application,” says Eric Bradlow, Vice Dean of AI & Analytics at Wharton. “The Wharton Causal Data Science Lab exemplifies how we can harness the power of analytics to improve lives, inform better decisions, and ultimately serve the greater good, which is exactly what WAIAI is all about.”

Learn more by visiting the Wharton Causal Data Science Lab homepage.