About the Institute

The Bucknell Instutute for Public Policy (BIPP) supports social science research, analysis, and teaching on campus and beyond. The Institute provides a forum for contemporary public policy discussion, a mechanism to support faculty-guided undergraduate research, and an academic home for students pursuing a degree in public policy.

Under this interdisciplinary and cross-departmental framework, Bucknell faculty and students focus on particular policy arenas including the economy, domestic and international politics, education, health, the environment, and civil society.

Professor Jean Shackelford proposed the formation of the Institute in 2006. In its infancy, the Institute focused on issues related to the 2008 election. Since then, the Institute has grown in size and depth, hosting a variety of symposia and speakers each year.

Currently, the Institute is developing an interdisciplinary public policy introductory course and a public policy minor. The Institutue supports student and faculty research and provides service to the local community through eductional outreach.