Design Research-Driven Solutions for Stronger Families

The Problem

Children and families are often supported through fragmented systems that treat emotional well-being, physical health, and financial literacy as separate challenges.

But in reality, these dimensions are deeply connected—and when they are addressed in isolation, the “whole child” is overlooked.

At EQ-Lab, we bridge this gap by integrating social-emotional learning and financial literacy through a bilingual, research-informed approach that reflects how families actually live and make decisions.

Our Approach

EQ-Lab is where research meets community. We connect scientific knowledge with real-world needs to design and test solutions that strengthen families.

Our work focuses on translating evidence into practice—bringing research out of institutions and into everyday community settings.

This is not traditional program delivery. It is applied, community-driven research in action.

Our Model

EQ-Lab operates through three interconnected “Houses” that translate research into real-world impact.

Research & Impact

Publications

Research Projects

Billingual Community Researchers

Policy & Global Alignment

Our work contributes to global efforts to advance equity, education, and economic opportunity. Through research and community-based programs, EQ-Lab aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Community voices

With EQ-Lab’s support, we were able to publish three case studies about our company with international publishers. It was a great way to document our experience through rigorous research and share it with a broader audience.

Santiago Peralta

(Paccari Chocolates)

I’m very happy with the work done by EQ-Lab. Their support helped me complete my doctoral thesis on time and with strong results. They exceeded my expectations.

Alberto Rigail

(The Council Ecuador)

With the support we received, we were able to publish our work in a Canadian academic journal, making our case study on family businesses accessible to both business and academic audiences.

Ricardo Salcedo

(Solubles Instantáneos)

With EQ-Lab’s guidance, I was able to publish several articles in indexed journals, which helped strengthen my work as a researcher and increase its visibility.

Daniel Molina Ycaza

(Makersclub.la)

With their support, we improved how we manage and monitor our projects, as well as how we communicate results to reach a broader audience.

Sandra Bravo

(Fundación de Asistencia a la Mujer y Familia en Riesgo)

EQ-Lab helped me strengthen my teaching approach and introduced me to new methodologies that supported my transition into a university professor role.

Andrés Barriga

(Fundación Ambulancia Deseo)

I collaborated with EQ-Lab on research initiatives focused on applying academic knowledge in real-world contexts.

Jan Höffler

(ReplicationWiki)

Working with EQ-Lab, I was able to develop and publish my research, which helped me grow both academically and professionally.

Connie Palma

(Ecuador)

They supported me in developing, presenting, and publishing my research, helping ensure my work reached audiences beyond the classroom.

David Zambrano

(Ecuador)

Partnerships

ReplicationWiki

International project for transparency in the social sciences. The website has an interactive database with nearly 6,000 empirical studies. Of more than 1,500 of these articles it is listed that data is available for download and analysis. More than 850 replicate previous studies.

Learn More

FAMUFAR

Fundación de Asistencia a la Mujer y la Familia en Riesgo (Foundation for Assistance to Women and Families at Risk). Founded in 2003 under Ministerial Agreement #479, this NGO seeks to empower poor women and girls in Ecuador through different social initiatives so that they can escape from poverty. FAMUFAR is convinced that support for Ecuadorian women will affect the well-being of their entire family.