Research

The areas we focus on as we train leaders and conduct research to inspire evidence-based policymaking and advance the public good.

Social Policy

How does poverty shape life chances? What explains the rise in income inequality in recent decades? How do government policies and programs shape individual and family well-being?

Social Policy

Students marching in a Black Lives Matter solidarity march

Health and aging

Our faculty members conduct research on key issues in health policy and health services, including the relationship between social factors – such as poverty, education, and housing – and health.

Health and aging

Doctor talking to thier patient at the hospital

Public Management

Effective public management is essential in a democratic form of governance. Our faculty members conduct research on how programs are designed and implemented as well as the consequences of public policies for citizens.

Public Management

Energy and the environment

Our faculty's research informs energy and environmental policymaking. Other areas of focus include environmental justice and water policy.

Energy and the environment

Man standing in front of a solar panel array

International policy and economics

The La Follette School provides students with tools to understand the economic factors that underpin international trade, immigration, and foreign direct investment, as well as the theories of how economies develop.

International policy and economics

Two people looking at a map of the earth

Research awards and publications

Research awards

The Herb Kohl Public Service Research Competition

The Herb Kohl Public Service Research Competition supports nonpartisan research by La Follette School faculty members that informs critical public policy and governance debates and advances evidence-based decision-making. Two types of awards are available: research awards and outreach awards. Learn more.

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.