Our faculty and students conduct groundbreaking research on different policy topics.
Looking for our faculty members? View our directory or our impact areas for subject-matter experts.
Student research
Teams of our graduate students produce research-based reports for clients in the public, non-governmental, and private sectors as part of their capstone and cost benefit-analysis courses.
Cost-benefit analysis
Seminar Series
Faculty awards
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The Herb Kohl Public Service Research Competition
The Herb Kohl Public Service Research Competition supports nonpartisan research by our faculty members that informs critical public policy and governance debates and advances evidence-based decision-making.
The Jerry and Mary Cotter Faculty Fellow
The Jerry and Mary Cotter Faculty Fellow award supports a faculty member who is contributing to research and/or policy development that would improve the legislative branches of government. Preference is given to La Follette School faculty members and faculty affiliates; however, other University of Wisconsin–Madison faculty members may apply. Funding may be used for research support activities, course design, or summer research salary support, or to organize or attend a conference.
The Daniel Louis and Genevieve Rustvold Goldy Faculty Fellow
The Daniel Louis and Genevieve Rustvold Goldy Faculty Fellow award provides funding for research activities, for summer research salary support, or to organize or attend a conference. Preference is given to La Follette School faculty members conducting interdisciplinary research on emerging policy issues; however, faculty affiliates at the University of Wisconsin–Madison may receive the award if no La Follette School faculty member is deemed appropriate.
Faculty working papers
These pre-publication versions of academic articles, book chapters, and other works are in various stages of completion, offering insight into our current research before it is published in peer-reviewed outlets.
News

Teodoro wins Boyd Award for transformative work in drinking water field
Monday, December 8, 2025
COP30 will show efforts to curb planet warming persist
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
New edition of Nemet’s landmark book underscores global shifts in solar energy
Thursday, September 18, 2025
2024-25 Highlights Report showcases an exciting year for La Follette
Thursday, August 28, 2025
New research reveals longevity gains slowing, life expectancy of 100 unlikely
Monday, August 25, 2025- More news
Events
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Feb16
Higher Ed, Public Policy, and a Divided America with Governor Mitch Daniels @ 7:00 pm Memorial Union, Shannon Hall Get directions
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Mar18
For Me, But Not For Thee: Free Expression in Higher Education @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm DeLuca Forum, Discovery Building Get directions