Building a Network for Public Impact Research Across Schools of Public Admin and Public Policy

2026 Global Conference Seattle, WA, USA October 2, 2026, 2:15 PM-3:15 PM PT Description: Public Impact Research (PIR) focuses on producing actionable knowledge that improves public programs, policies, and civic outcomes. In 2026, universities launched the PIR Accelerator, a network led by the UW Evans School and OSU Glenn School to connect scholars in public affairs working on real-world challenges. This panel will present the PIR Accelerator, its theory of change, and lessons from building a cross-university network designed to break down silos and strengthen universities’ capacity to generate research that creates public value.