iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

This summer, 40+ Northwestern undergrads did real policy research with IPR faculty through our SURA program. For almost three decades, SURA has helped build the next generation of researchers who will drive evidence-based change. Read the story: spr.ly/63327BG07mB

Sally Nuamah (from left) and her IPR research assistants, Mercy Nyamao and Brandon Burks, spent the summer documenting the history of a Chicago housing cooperative.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

TODAY: Join us in Chambers Hall at noon for a talk by IPR economist and @sesp-nu.bsky.social's Jonathan Guryan on “Can Technology Facilitate Scale? Evidence from a Randomized Evaluation of High-Dosage Tutoring.” spr.ly/63327BGL3ul

IPR Colloq.: J. Guryan (IPR/SESP) - Can Technology Facilitate Scale? Evidence from a Randomized Evaluation of High-Dosage Tutoring

Date: October 5, 2026
Start time/End Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster St, Ruan Conference Room, Evanston, IL 60208
Contact: Madeleine Bagnall, 847-491-8704, maddy.bagnall@northwestern.edu

Title: Can Technology Facilitate Scale? Evidence from a Randomized Evaluation of High-Dosage Tutoring

By Jonathan Guryan, Lawyer Taylor Professor of Education and Human Development and IPR Fellow

Abstract: High-dosage tutoring has been shown to be an effective way to improve student learning (Guryan et al., 2023), but cost remains a barrier to scaling. We investigate a potential way to reduce costs without substantially reducing efficacy – by combining tutoring with computer-assisted learning (CAL) technology. In a randomized controlled trial, we find an in-school math tutoring program where student pairs alternated daily between working with a tutor and on CAL (reducing costs by 30 percent relative to a previously tested model) produced a comparable 0.23 SD improvement in math test scores. These findings suggest the strategic use of technology can increase the scalability of high-dosage tutoring.

This event is part of the Fay Lomax Cook Fall 2026 Colloquium Series, where our researchers from around the University share their latest policy-relevant research.

Please note all colloquia this quarter will be held in-person only.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Happy first day of classes! Join us this quarter for one (or all) of our fall events. 🍂📚 See the full schedule: spr.ly/63328BG5fge

A schedule of IPR'S upcoming fall events.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

A new era for early childhood in Illinois is taking shape. At EC*REACH's second annual conference, nearly 300 researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and advocates came together to reflect on recent progress and discuss what's next. Read more: spr.ly/63329B1OI6t

Paul Tough asked how data can be used to change behavior.

Angela Green delivers remarks on Chicago's early childhood system.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

How can we detoxify social media feeds? A new study in Nature led by @williambrady.bsky.social suggests redesigning algorithms can curb toxic and politically divisive content, and make social media more enjoyable for users. spr.ly/63326BDOcQn

Smartphone screen showing different social media apps, focused on the Bluesky app.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Laws targeting abortion providers have forced clinics to close and cut off access to care. New research by Joe Feinglass, Madeline Perry, and Lynn Yee finds that states with those restrictions had a 36% higher likelihood of infant mortality. spr.ly/63325B87Z9F

Long dark hospital corridor with rooms and seats 3D rendering. Empty accident and emergency interior with bright lights lighting the hall from the ceiling.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

People who lack access to clean drinking water also tend to struggle to get enough safe food to eat, according to a new study in @natfood.nature.com by @profserayoung.bsky.social and her colleagues. The researchers say the two issues need to be addressed together. spr.ly/63325B8fnx7

Filling pot with water from kitchen faucet over stainless steel sink

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

TODAY: Join us in Chambers Hall at noon for a talk by IPR economist and legal scholar @drchikaokafor.bsky.social on “Beyond Malice, It’s Math: Social Network Discrimination and Voting Rights After Louisiana v. Callais.” spr.ly/63324BBSWVk

Beyond Malice, It’s Math: Social Network Discrimination and Voting Rights After Louisiana v. Callais

Date: May 11, 2026
Start time/End Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster St, Ruan Conference Room, Evanston, IL 60208
Contact: Madeleine Bagnall, 847-491-3395, ipr@northwestern.edu

Title: Beyond Malice, It’s Math: Social Network Discrimination and Voting Rights After Louisiana v. Callais

By Chika Okafor, Assistant Professor of Law, Assistant Professor of Economics (by courtesy), Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations (by courtesy), and IPR Fellow

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Join us in Chambers Hall on Monday at noon for a talk by IPR economist and legal scholar @drchikaokafor.bsky.social on “Beyond Malice, It’s Math: Social Network Discrimination and Voting Rights After Louisiana v. Callais.” spr.ly/63328BBYVLw

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Join us in Chambers Hall today at noon for a talk by Mesmin Destin on “The Distinct Benefits of Connecting Through Shared and Divergent Experiences for Marginalized Students.” spr.ly/63325BBw8ED

Date: May 4, 2026
Start time/End Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster St, Ruan Conference Room, Evanston, IL 60208
Contact: Madeleine Bagnall, 847-491-3395, ipr@northwestern.edu

Title: The Distinct Benefits of Connecting Through Shared and Divergent Experiences for Marginalized Students

By Mesmin Destin, Professor of Psychology and Human Development and Social Policy, and IPR Fellow

Abstract: Social connections have a variety of positive effects across the lifespan. For college students, opportunities to build connections with peers can be a key contributor to academic success and well-being. Recent studies have investigated the types of connections that might benefit students most, especially for those from lower-income families or who are the first in their family to attend college. Through research partnerships with existing programs, a combination of qualitative, quantitative, quasi-experimental, and experimental studies seek to understand how students may benefit from opportunities to build connections with peers who come from similar socioeconomic circumstances. To complement this evidence, more controlled experiments show different effects of connecting with peers from higher (compared to lower) socioeconomic status backgrounds.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

On #EarthDay, we're highlighting research by faculty looking at air pollution, climate change beliefs, water insecurity, and the disproportionate impacts of environmental challenges. 🌍 Read more: spr.ly/63328BBDcUi

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Join us in Chambers Hall today at noon for a talk by IPR director and sociologist Andrew V. Papachristos on "Community Violence Intervention at the Crossroads: Old Questions, New Evidence, and the Future of Public Safety." spr.ly/63321hZmnJ

Community Violence Intervention at the Crossroads: Old Questions, New Evidence, and the Future of Public Safety

Date: February 16, 2026
Start time/End Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster St, Ruan Conference Room, Evanston, IL 60208
Contact: Patricia Reese, 847-491-3395, ipr@northwestern.edu

Title: Community Violence Intervention at the Crossroads: Old Questions, New Evidence, and the Future of Public Safety

By Andrew Papachristos, John G. Searle Professor of Sociology and IPR Director

Abstract: Community violence intervention efforts have been on the rise over the last several years but now stands at a critical juncture. After unprecedented investment and expansion following the 2020 surge in gun violence, the field faces mounting pressure to demonstrate impact even as political headwinds threaten to dismantle progress. This talk draws on eight years of ongoing data collection on local and citywide efforts in Chicago, combining quasi-experimental analyses, participant surveys, systematic observation of outreach activities, and interviews with both workers and participants. The evidence reveals both promise and complexity. This talk will explore the critical lessons emerging from this work, how it informs both practice and science, and what it means for the future of place-based violence prevention efforts in America.

This event is part of the Fay Lomax Cook Winter 2026 Colloquium Series, where our researchers from around the University share their latest policy-relevant research.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Join us in Chambers Hall today at noon for a talk by Steven Franconeri on "Point Taken: A Gamified Intervention That Creates Enlightened Disagreements." spr.ly/63329CYvqW

Title: Point Taken: A Gamified Intervention That Creates Enlightened Disagreements

By Steven Franconeri, Professor of Psychology, Director of the Northwestern Cognitive Science Program, Professor of Design and of Management and Organizations (by courtesy), and IPR Associate

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

#1: AI quickly evolved from a futuristic concept to a daily reality. To better understand AI and the changes coming with it, we spoke to our faculty experts about how they’re studying AI, what they’re learning, and what’s ahead. Read more: spr.ly/63328CEmL8

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 26/12/2025

#2: Why are Black women more likely to have C-sections than White women? IPR economist Molly Schnell spoke to IPR about her research examining this disparity and possible ways to reduce unnecessary C-sections and the complications that can come with them. Read more: spr.ly/6180FaDu2

A pregnant woman lies in a hospital bed.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

#3: American teenagers are not all right. Growing rates of anxiety, depression, and suicides point to an alarming trend. IPR spoke with four of its experts on teen mental health about what their research says about why teens are suffering and how we can help them. spr.ly/6186L9O5y

Graphic of stock images of teens scrolling on social media.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

#4: During a lecture on April 2, Nobel Prize-winning physicist and former U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu outlined the urgent steps needed to achieve net-zero global greenhouse gas emissions and avoid climate change’s major consequences. spr.ly/63321CEmRX

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

#5: Thousands of L.A. fast food workers are victims of wage theft, losing more than $44 million in combined wages per year. A report by @djgalvin.bsky.social and Jake Barnes points to educating workers about their rights as a solution. www.ipr.northwestern.edu/news/2025/wa...

Fast-food workers hands order to customer through drive-thru window.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Join us in Chambers Hall on January 5 for a talk by Steven Franconeri on "Point Taken: A Gamified Intervention for More Enlightened Policy Disagreements." spr.ly/63325CESsS

Title: Point Taken: A Gamified Intervention for More Enlightened Policy Disagreements

By Steven Franconeri, Professor of Psychology, Director of the Northwestern Cognitive Science Program, Professor of Design and of Management and Organizations (by courtesy), and IPR Associate

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

#7: In May, @jhu.edu sociologist @stefanie-deluca.bsky.social returned to Northwestern as IPR's first visiting scholar, sharing her latest research and insights into communicating research findings to policymakers. www.ipr.northwestern.edu/news/2025/ho...

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

#8: Political violence is on the rise in the U.S. @polisciatnu.bsky.sociall's Laurel Harbridge-Yong spoke to IPR about how elected officials say threats & violence have changed the way they approach their jobs & how the public thinks about political violence. www.ipr.northwestern.edu/news/2025/th...

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

Gathering with friends and family this week? Disagreements are normal. IPR’s @elijfinkel.bsky.social says they can even be healthy when handled with care. Click here to learn more about Finkel's work helping us lean into our disagreements: spr.ly/633257UqnU

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

Okafor calls this social network discrimination, and his findings show that colorblind approaches alone don’t create equal opportunity. Policies and hiring practices must account for network-based barriers to achieve true fairness. Read the policy brief: www.ipr.northwestern.edu/documents/po...

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

A study by @drchikaokafor.bsky.social shows that even when employers ignore race and workers have the same qualifications, racial gaps still appear through people’s social networks. Smaller minority groups often have fewer referral connections, resulting in fewer job opportunities and lower wages.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

After the Supreme Court ended race-conscious affirmative action in 2023, “colorblind” policies are being promoted as the fairest way to make decisions in schools and hiring. But equal treatment on paper doesn’t always lead to equal opportunity.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

Interested in receiving information about policy-relevant research in your inbox? Sign up to get IPR's monthly newsletter with our latest stories. spr.ly/63325799vz

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

Join us in Chambers Hall today at noon for a talk by Ivuoma Onyeador on "But What About My Free Speech?: Free-Speech Appeals Reduce Accountability for Workplace Bias." spr.ly/61857XNUN

IPR Colloq.: I. Onyeador (IPR/Kellogg) - But What About My Free Speech?: Free Speech Appeals Reduce Accountability for Workplace Bias

Date: November 17, 2025
Start time/End Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster St, Ruan Conference Room, Evanston, IL 60208
Contact: Nicholas Benson, nicholas.benson@northwestern.edu

Title: But What About My Free Speech?: Free Speech Appeals Reduce Accountability for Workplace Bias

By Ivuoma Onyeador, Assistant Professor of Management & Organizations and IPR Fellow

Abstract: Onyeador and her colleagues’ research examines how appeals to freedom of speech affect people’s evaluations of biased speech and their willingness to hold perpetrators of biased speech accountable. Results from four experimental studies reveal that defensive appeals to free speech (relative to alternate appeals or saying nothing) reduced evaluations of severity and willingness to hold perpetrators accountable in instances of both racism and sexism.

This effect generally held across participant race, gender, and ideology, and even occurred when evaluating anti-racist speech, suggesting the effect is not exclusive to those with hierarchy-enhancing motivations. Information about a policy that mandated inclusion did not eliminate the effect, whereas a policy mandating free speech reduced accountability for bias, even in the absence of a free-speech appeal. Examination of the mechanism supports the authors' theorizing that these appeals work by activating concerns about free speech and by reducing the relative weight placed on concerns about bias.

An intervention that shifted attention back to the consequences of bias offset the effects of the free-speech appeal. The authors’ findings illustrate the exculpatory effect of a free-speech appeal, even for explicitly racist and sexist speech. These findings advance understanding of how people navigate the tension between free-speech permissions and biased-speech prohibitions, which contributes to scholarship about how diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts get undermined.

This event is part of the Fay Lomax Cook Fall 2025 Colloquium Series, where our researchers from around the University share their latest policy-relevant research.

Please note all colloquia this quarter will be held in-person only.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 06/11/2025

How do journalists turn research into stories that shape policy and public understanding? Join @medillschool.bsky.social and IPR experts Louise Kiernan, @natalieymoore.bsky.social, and Charles Whitaker for a discussion on bridging journalism and social science. spr.ly/633267O6lG

Photos of Charles Whitaker, Louise Kiernan, and Natalie Moore.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

A study by @nueconomics.bsky.social’s Molly Schnell and Max Pienkny, @sesp-nu.bsky.social's Hannes Schwandt, & Stanford’s Maya Rossin-Slater finds that after a fatal school shooting, youth prescriptions for depression and anxiety medications rose by over 25% and stayed elevated for up to 5.5 years.

Infographic showing that medication use spiked after students experienced a fatal school shooting.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

Since the Columbine shooting in 1999, more than 394,000 students have witnessed gun violence at school. These events have not only claimed the lives of children as young as 6 years old, but they have also left a lasting impact on the survivors.

A photo of a memorial from the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting on February 14, 2018.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Join us in Chambers Hall today at noon for a talk by Tabitha Bonilla on "Anti-CRT or Anti-Me? The Results of Restrictive Education Policies" spr.ly/6185AFIuB

Date: October 20, 2025
Start time/End Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster St, Ruan Conference Room, Evanston, IL 60208
Contact: Nicholas Benson, nicholas.benson@northwestern.edu

Title: Anti-CRT or Anti-Me? The Results of Restrictive Education Policies

Abstract: Over the past five years, battles against inclusive teaching have been waged in every state. While not all proposed restrictions have been passed, these efforts have resulted in enacted bans in many states and districts across the country. While the restrictions are partisan in nature, there is significant geographic variation in restrictive policies within and across states, including states with consolidated party control. In this talk, Bonilla will describe how these policies affect teachers, students, and parents, with a specific focus on what this means for shifts in classroom learning.

By Tabitha Bonilla, Associate Professor of Human Development and Social Policy and of Political Science (by courtesy)

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

Join us in Chambers Hall on Monday at noon for a talk by Tabitha Bonilla on "Anti-CRT or Anti-Me? The Results of Restrictive Education Policies" spr.ly/63323AFIPh

IPR Colloq.: T. Bonilla (IPR/SESP) - Anti-CRT or Anti-Me? The Results of Restrictive Education Policies

Date: October 20, 2025
Start time/End Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster St, Ruan Conference Room, Evanston, IL 60208

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

Join us in Chambers Hall today at noon for a talk by Julia Behrman on "An Extended Family Approach to Income and Wealth Inequality in the U.S." spr.ly/6182AsqMI

IPR Colloq.: J. Behrman (IPR/Soc.) - An Extended Family Approach to Income and Wealth Inequality in the U.S.

Date: October 13, 2025
Start time/End Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Chambers Hall, 600 Foster St, Ruan Conference Room, Evanston, IL 60208

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

SURA student Henry Park worked with IPR labor and education economist @kirabojackson.bsky.social to examine how Chicago Public Schools engage with Continuous Improvement Work Plans and how AI can add new insights to education research. spr.ly/63326At7Xw

Photo of Henry Park and quote: "My favorite part of this project, by far, was using AI tools...We tried a lot of methodologies, keeping records of all of our experiments, and eventually, we found a human-AI workflow that worked best for our project."

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

Join us in Chambers Hall on Monday at noon for a talk by Julia Behrman on "An Extended Family Approach to Income and Wealth Inequality in the U.S." spr.ly/63323AsqML

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

IPR events bring together researchers, policymakers, students, and community members to examine and discuss today’s most pressing social issues. Join us at one (or all!) of our events this fall! 🍂 spr.ly/63329AlEMN

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

This month’s new research examines how racial bias shaped dining patterns in COVID, how people make decisions about asking for help with basic needs, how computational tools can improve conservation, and how universal pre-K can boost economic growth. spr.ly/63323Ad5j3

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

IPR's SURA program empowers undergraduates to turn their passions into purpose. Through mentorship and hands-on research, students like Annika Shah and Stacy Yoon are making real contributions to policy and social justice. Read more: spr.ly/63329Ad5VS

IPR’s 2025 summer undergraduate research assistants pause for a photo during their training session, with program director Christine Percheski (far right).

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

IPR welcomed three new fellows this fall who are investigating power and opportunity in American life—from mass incarceration and political communication to clean energy and fair hiring. Click here to read more: spr.ly/63328Ad53y

IPR's new fellows (left to right): Chika Okafor, Elizabeth Thom, and Alexander Coppock

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

SURA student Christina Vargas worked with IPR health psychologist Edith Chen to investigate the impact of social environments on health and wellbeing. Read more about her summer experience: spr.ly/63320AdKqu

Graphic of Christina Vargas and a quote from her that says: I was excited to join a lab at Northwestern that conducts research relevant to the global context and our current society. The lab’s research is crucial as we navigate a world with increasing inequalities and negative health outcomes.

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

A new study by IPR's Greg Miller and his colleagues finds that children with high blood pressure at age 7 face a sharply increased risk of dying from heart disease by their mid-50s. Read more in @usnews.com: www.usnews.com/news/health-...

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

Do U.S. elections have a primary problem? @polisciatnu.bsky.social's Laurel Harbridge-Yong explains how low voter turnout in primaries gives more power to a small group of voters, which can skew representation. Read more: spr.ly/63327AKpFD

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

IPR faculty are tackling urgent challenges—from wage theft and water insecurity to sentencing reform and gun violence. In statehouses, courtrooms, city halls, and beyond, our experts ensure evidence guides policy decisions. Read more: www.ipr.northwestern.edu/news/2025/bo...

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Brief screen time isn’t likely to harm young children’s attention development, IPR psychologist Sandra Waxman told the Evanston RoundTable. The concern is when screens become their primary way of engaging with the world. evanstonroundtable.com/2025/08/20/h...

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

Why does Northwestern research matter to you? At IPR, we see how research drives better policy and improves lives. Whether you're a student, faculty member, staff, alum, or community member—we want to hear your perspective. Share your #ResearchMatters story: spr.ly/6010fzl5K

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Political violence is on the rise in the U.S. @polisciatnu.bsky.social's Laurel Harbridge-Yong spoke to IPR about how elected officials say threats and violence have changed the way they approach their jobs and how the public thinks about political violence. www.ipr.northwestern.edu/news/2025/th...

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

A new working paper by @sesp-nu.bsky.social's @kirabojackson.bsky.social and his colleagues finds that Universal Pre-K can deliver substantial economic benefits. In nine states and cities, UPK programs increased employment—primarily among women—and raised earnings. spr.ly/60134fNU7

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Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University @ipratnu.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

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