July 27, 2026
The Public Impact Research (PIR) Network is proud to officially introduce its inaugural class of Public Impact Research Fellows and Emerging Fellows.
The PIR Network is an inter-university collaboration of 15 public affairs schools designed to strengthen the capacity of public research universities to produce, support and recognize research that measurably improves public programs, policies and civic outcomes – particularly at the state and local levels.
Redefining the Value of Public Research
The PIR Fellowship recognizes scholars whose research exemplifies the highest aspirations of public impact research: methodological strength, practical relevance, ethical partnership and a commitment to addressing persistent public challenges. The inaugural class includes both established scholars with a track record of conducting public impact research, as well as emerging Fellows who are doctoral students with a demonstrated commitment to public impact research.
Over their two-year fellowship, these Fellows will share resources, tools and tactics to advance the public impact of their own research while also building the institutional capacity of their home universities. The network’s activities will kick-off at the Public Impact Research Workshop in Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 11-13, 2026.
Meet the Fellows
Scholars of public affairs are uniquely positioned to spearhead this national movement. They study how policy is developed and implemented; prepare future public leaders, practitioners and policymakers; and partner with communities to address important societal challenges.
By uniting the strengths of 63 scholars from 15 different institutions, the PIR Network amplifies the reach of research that is both methodologically rigorous and practically relevant.