Located on the UMBC campus, the Maryland Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (MIPAR) was founded in 1982. The mission of MIPAR is to connect UMBC research capabilities with decision makers to help address the pressing public policy issues facing the state, region and nation.

Using the expertise of distinguished UMBC faculty, and faculty from and other universities, MIPAR is able to address our clients’ challenges through a range of research endeavors:

Opinion research
We conduct surveys and focus groups to inform the policy-making process by measuring knowledge and opinions about issues.

Policy analysis
We analyze current problems and alternative policy responses; proposed policies and their potential impacts; and adopted policies, their impacts and whether they work.

Program evaluations
We use a variety of quantitative and qualitative tools to help clients understand and determine the effectiveness of their programs.

Outreach
We organize conferences, seminars and workshops to inform public policy analysis and discussion at UMBC and in the community.

Donald F. Norris
MIPAR Director
Professor and Chair, Department of Public Policy

Download our brochure