Affiliate Opportunities

Affiliates are welcome to partner with IGPA to develop and publish policy-oriented reports. Reports can range from 3–10 pages and translate faculty research into accessible, actionable insights for external stakeholders, including legislators, agencies, policymakers, and the media. IGPA provides writing and research support to help affiliates turn their research into timely, professionally designed products that address pressing policy questions.

Recent examples include an analysis of the impact of the expiration of pandemic-era school funding, an examination of the state and local government implications of a one percent grocery tax, and policy recommendations to improve math literacy across Illinois. Through this collaborative process, IGPA helps affiliates communicate research beyond academic audiences and contribute evidence-based insights to policy discussions.

IGPA launched a new funding competition in 2025 to support original data products, such as surveys or enhanced datasets, that use new or existing data to inform key Illinois issues. Projects should serve researchers, policymakers, and the public by offering accessible, insightful data in user-friendly formats.

IGPA affiliates are invited to apply for funding through our Small Grant Program, designed to quickly catalyze impactful policy research that addresses Illinois’ pressing challenges. Applications open annually, and recipients receive $15,000 for a one-year period.

IGPA affiliates have opportunities to engage in timely, high-impact projects that connect faculty expertise with policymakers and address emerging policy questions facing the state. Recent examples include an analysis for the State of Illinois and the Governor’s Office examining the potential economic impacts of tariffs, as well as a data task force focused on improving access to state data and creating new opportunities for faculty research. These collaborations allow affiliates to contribute their expertise to important policy discussions while expanding the reach and impact of their research.

IGPA shares research with policy practitioners, legislators, media organizations, university officials, and other interested groups across Illinois. We also receive information requests from legislators and connect with faculty affiliates to help respond and engage when their expertise is needed. By tracking legislation and maintaining ongoing relationships with legislative leadership, IGPA helps connect the right people with the right research to maximize impact.

IGPA has two interdisciplinary working groups that bring faculty together to address emerging policy issues and areas of high demand from legislators and policymakers. The structure evolves with the policy landscape, creating opportunities for collaboration, engagement, and policy impact.

The Science & Technology working group focuses on issues like AI and emerging technologies, and the Fiscal & Economic Policy working group focuses on issues like transit funding, property taxes, and the state budget. Working groups serve as a flexible mechanism for convening faculty expertise and connecting scholars with policymakers, media, and other key audiences around timely policy challenges.

Affiliates are invited to present their emerging or completed policy research during monthly Faculty Coffees. These informal, hour-long gatherings provide a supportive space to share ideas and gather feedback from fellow researchers.

The Honorable W. Russell Arrington Professorship in State Politics, established in 2010 through a gift from Michael Arrington, honors his father’s legacy as a prominent Illinois legislator. Awarded to a University of Illinois System faculty member for a renewable five-year term, the professorship supports teaching, research, and public engagement on state politics through IGPA.

IGPA affiliates join a network of 200+ policy-focused scholars with opportunities to connect through events, discussions, and an annual summit designed to catalyze scholarly collaboration and interaction with public officials. IGPA also helps affiliates connect their research with broader audiences through media and legislative networks, public engagement support, and promotion of their work on IGPA’s website.

The Partnerships for Evidence-based Public Policy (PEPP) Fellowship, offered by IGPA and the Social & Behavioral Science Institute (SBSI), supports mid-career faculty in conducting year-long policy research with state government partners. Fellows join a cohort for monthly training and networking.

In partnership with the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, IGPA hosts the New Members of the Illinois General Assembly Conference during veto session to help newly elected legislators learn about key policy issues facing the state. IGPA brings together faculty affiliates to share research, provide nonpartisan expertise, and highlight timely topics that inform public policy. The conference provides an opportunity for legislators and their staff to connect with leading researchers, ask questions, and build relationships with experts who can serve as resources throughout their time in office.