On August 20, CSBS hosted the inaugural Partnerships for Evidence-based Public Policy (PEPP) Kickoff event, welcoming the first cohort of fellows and setting the stage for a year of collaboration between University of Illinois researchers and Illinois state government partners. The nonpartisan program is designed to strengthen evidence-based policymaking in Illinois by connecting faculty expertise in the Illinois System with pressing policy needs.
The kickoff began with introductions and an overview of the fellowship by Elsa Augustine, assistant director of public policy and research, followed by lightning talks where fellows presented their projects and agency partnerships. Highlights included research on pay equity, environmental policy, and housing policy, with fellows collaborating closely with state agencies such as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Department of Labor. The talks highlighted the breadth of expertise in the cohort and the many ways research can help address policy challenges across the state.
The afternoon panel, Building and Sustaining Partnerships with Government Agencies, featured faculty with years of experience bridging research and policy. Panelists spoke about the realities of balancing demanding research careers with the needs of policy partners, stressing that successful collaborations often depend on relationships and trust in addition to expertise and experience. They shared strategies for maintaining open communication when priorities shift and for making academic work accessible and useful in real-world contexts. Panelists reflected on their own experiences bridging academia and policy and ensuring research findings are both accessible and useful for policymakers.
The fellows will continue developing projects with their agency partners over the coming year. Their work has the potential to strengthen evidence-informed policymaking across Illinois, creating new opportunities for research to make a direct impact on communities throughout the state. Learn more about the inaugural cohort of fellows.