Public Impact Scholars

Public Impact Scholars is a signature program developed by the Initiative on Cities (IOC) to equip Boston University scholars (including but not limited to tenured, tenure-track or research faculty, lecturers, research scientists, and senior postdoctoral associates) with new skills and knowledge to influence local and state policy and discourse for positive societal impact.

Through this program, BU scholars will have an opportunity to gain a new perspective on state and local government, evidence-based policymaking, and media engagement. The program also provides an opportunity to be part of a peer group of like-minded BU scholars from a variety of disciplines. Program instructors include faculty and senior staff drawn from across BU, as well as leaders working in policy and practice.

Meet the 2025 Public Impact Scholars Cohort

This year’s Public Impact Scholars program will take place on Monday, May 19 through Thursday, May 22, 2025 between 10 am and 2 PM and will be held at the Initiative on Cities (75 Bay State Road). The program aims to address the following questions:

  1. How is local government structured? What are its powers and limitations? How is local policy connected to state and federal policymaking?
  2. What are the best mechanisms by which researchers can influence policymaking?
  3. How do academics build a public profile and engage the media for impact?
  4. What are the current research needs and gaps related to housing, heat, and health in cities?

Housing, Heat, and Heath: This year, the Public Impact Scholars program will be closely aligned with the new IOC Urban-H research agenda (Housing, Heat, Health), aiming to translate scholarly work on these issues into policy and foster a transdisciplinary community of practice for housing, heat, and health.  This will include meetings with policymakers and practitioners working on issues related to the Urban-Hs, as well as participating in cohort work with other scholars working on the Urban-Hs. We welcome applications whose work is not centered on the Urban-Hs but who have interest in incorporating housing, heat, and/or health into their future work and would like to build connections with others in these areas. 

Time Commitment: We ask that all participants commit to the four days (10am-2pm) of workshops and discussions to build connections with other BU researchers, policymakers, and practitioners. If you are unable to complete the full program, please reach out to Danielle Mulligan at dtmull@bu.edu. Additionally, there will be opportunities for participants to continue engagement beyond the week-long program, including an optional visit to Boston City Hall later in the year and preference when applying for IOC seed grants in the 2025-2026 grant cycle. 

Previous Public Impact Scholars Cohorts