The Dukakis Center promotes the co-production of policy analysis and implementation by connecting real-world practitioners that are closest to the problems with academics skilled in data and analysis across a variety of fields. In partnership, we use data and analysis to design, implement, and evaluate public policies that push the needle forward on complex problems found in urban areas.
We invite public sector and nonprofit organizations to submit inquiries specifying one of the following types of engagement. One of our team members will contact you within two weeks regarding your inquiry.
Student Experiential Research Projects
Our graduate students partner with government agencies, nonprofits, and community based organzations to provide both short- and long-term research assistance. Short-term capstone projects are undertaken by a team of 3-5 master’s students for one semester resulting in a final report and client presentation that includes a set of recommendations. Long-term dissertation work is undertaken by one Ph.D. student for one to two years resulting in a final report that also serves as one or more chapters in their dissertation. In both cases, students work directly with the stakeholders but are also supervised by faculty with expertise in the area under study.
Faculty Research Partnerships
Our faculty affiliates develop long-term partnerships with policymakers and practitioners on collaborative research projects that result in actionable policy recommendations. Often these projects will be supported by external grant funding and may result in a policy brief, research report, or academic publication. Faculty will work closely with the policy partner to develop a scope of work, proof of concept, and budget suitable for submission to a foundation, federal, or state RFP with either Northeastern University or the policy partner as the lead fiscal agent.
Consulting Engagements
Dukakis Center staff will provide research and technical assistance to government, nonprofit, and community-based clients where we have suitable faculty and student expertise. Consulting engagements may arise from a competitive RFP process or as a direct invitation from foundations, government agencies, nonprofit, or community-based groups. Projects may be of any size or duration and we will work closely with clients to find the right resources to meet their needs.
We welcome both formal written requests and informal inquiries.
Support our work
The Dukakis Center seeks to have an immediate and lasting impact on the quality of life in Greater Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the nation, and beyond. We do this by bridging the gap between knowledge and practice, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders –policymakers, community and business leaders, and academic researchers – to develop data-driven and feasible solutions to today’s most pressing problems.
Your generous support to our Community to Community (C2C) Impact Lab will help to sustain and expand our work. Every successful partnership gets us one step closer to the world we envision.