Human · Sciences · research

People are complicated, but understanding them shouldn’t be guesswork.

We help businesses, organisations and communities create impact in an increasingly complex social world.

The Empathy Lab provides end-to-end research, analysis and advisory services to help businesses, organisations and communities understand complex social problems and transform evidence into intentional action.

From our base in Johannesburg, South Africa, we draw on internationally recognised expertise and a diverse network of academic and industry specialists to deliver scalable research, advisory, knowledge and communications solutions.

Busy street scene with cars and pedestrians in Johannesburg, lined with buildings and shops.

What we do

We specialise in social sciences research that delivers results, consulting for clients ranging from small community and nonprofit organisations to large corporations with social mandates. We gather data from the field, secondary sources and archives to create tailored research products, synthesising insights for diverse audiences.

RESEARCH DESIGN & SCOPING 

  • Assess needs and review existing knowledge

  • Design focused, ethical research methodologies

  • Map stakeholders and plan engagement

  • Develop frameworks for evaluation and monitoring

MANAGEMENT, IMPLEMENTATION & ANALYSIS

  • Engage stakeholders through participatory research

  • Collect, analyse and report on data

  • Monitor and evaluate project progress

  • Assess social impact

KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION 

  • Build capacity through knowledge transfer

  • Monitor implementation

  • Develop training materials and facilitate workshops

  • Provide ongoing consultation and support

STRATEGIC ADVISORY

  • Create evidence-based engagement strategies

  • Develop archival strategy and procedures

  • Coordinate and manage research projects

  • Develop practical recommendations

  • Support proposal and grant development

A photograph of the Nelson Mandela bridge spanning the central railway depot in Johannesburg's CBD

Our Values

Our mission is to be the bridge between organisations and the people they engage. We make sense of complicated human problems, transforming evidence into clear plans of action, empowering our clients to achieve impact that matters. We envision a future where research, engagement and meaning-making is grounded in our shared humanity; collaboration drives change; and evidence guides decisions.

Clarity

We bring technical precision and clear process to complex human challenges, making deep insights inclusive, understandable, and accessible to those who need them most.

Humanity

We embrace the complexity of the human experience, placing it at the heart of what we do. We are committed to accountability, ethical practice and genuine connection at every stage of the journey. The cornerstone of our work is collaboration.

Rigour

We care about change that matters. Our work is grounded in lived realities, deepening impact for organisations while enriching outcomes for communities. We turn research into intentional change and development. 

A group of young people in white robes holding candles, singing, stands in front of a crowd on an illuminated street in Brixton, Johannesburg at night. The crowd, including children, watch the scene.