Vince Hopkins

Vince Hopkins is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of British Columbia.

Vince is broadly interested in Canadian politics, with emphasis on applied social policy. Specifically, he examines low take-up of government programs—how political and psychological barriers prevent citizens from accessing the services they need. His current research aims to improve take-up of employment services among jobseekers, youth, and newcomers. Why do people who might benefit from public services not apply for them? What can governments do to improve take-up? Vince is particularly interested in field experiments that improve the lived experience of low-income and marginalized people in Canada.

Vince has 10+ years’ experience using behavioural and data science to improve policy. He has worked as a Senior Behavioural Scientist for the British Columbia Government. Before that, he worked as a Policy Analyst with the Government of Canada.