Independent policy research · Lucknow · Since 2015
Evidence for better public policy.
The Institute of Policy Research & Studies (IPRS) brings rigorous research, policymakers and citizens to the same table — producing careful analysis, convening honest dialogue and carrying the conversation into classrooms and communities across India and beyond.
Who we are
A home for careful thinking about public life.
IPRS is an independent, non-profit policy research institute. We exist because good public decisions depend on good evidence — and because evidence only matters when it reaches the people who make, implement and live with those decisions.
Our work sits at the meeting point of law, governance and society. We study laws and public campaigns, publish accessible analysis, host conversations between scholars and practitioners, and open doors for students and young researchers to take part in policy debate. We are non-partisan, we follow the evidence, and we try to say clearly what we find.
2015
Year the Institute was founded
6
Thematic focus areas
5
Sub-committees & wings
3
Ways to join as a member
What we do
Linking research, policy and communities
We turn questions of public importance into evidence, bring the right people into the room, and carry the conversation beyond it.
01
Policy Research
In-depth, evidence-based analysis of laws, policies and public campaigns — shared through policy briefs, research reports, legislative analyses and expert consultations that decision-makers can actually use.
02
Conferences & Dialogue
An annual conference, seminars, webinars and roundtables that put scholars, policymakers, practitioners and young researchers into the same conversation — with room for disagreement and new ideas.
03
Community Engagement
Public campaigns with students and citizens — from climate awareness to urban flood resilience — so that policy debate reflects the experiences of the people it affects most.
Focus areas
Where our work concentrates
Six connected themes shape our research agenda. Each is led by a dedicated wing that brings together members, researchers and outside experts.
G
Governance & Public Administration
How institutions work, how they are held accountable, and how public services can be delivered more fairly and efficiently at every level of government.
L
Law & Legislative Studies
Analysis of bills, statutes, judgments and regulatory frameworks — with practical, well-reasoned recommendations for reform.
J
Social Justice & Human Rights
Rights, inclusion and access to justice, with particular attention to women, children and marginalised communities.
E
Education & Capacity Building
Training, workshops, fellowships and internships that build research and policy skills among students and young professionals.
T
Technology, Data & Innovation
Data-driven research and the governance of emerging technologies — from digital public infrastructure to artificial intelligence.
S
Sustainable Development & Global Affairs
Climate action, development and international cooperation — connecting local action with national and global frameworks.
How we work
From a question to an outcome
Every IPRS project follows the same disciplined path, whether it is a two-page brief or a year-long study.
Frame the question
We start from a real public problem — raised by communities, practitioners or the news — and define exactly what needs to be known.
Gather the evidence
Legal analysis, data, field inputs and comparative research from India and abroad, examined with care and transparency.
Convene & consult
Draft findings are tested with experts, officials and the people affected, through roundtables and consultations.
Communicate & follow through
Clear briefs, reports and public sessions — and continued engagement with those who can turn findings into action.
Campaigns
Taking issues to the public
Our campaigns bring pressing questions out of reports and into streets, schools and social feeds.
Ongoing
Urban Flood Resilience
The risk of urban flooding, what people and governments are doing about it, and how cities can plan for resilience.
Concluded
Green Minds, Greener Tomorrow
A roadside climate-awareness camp where 200+ students signed the Green Pledge.
Our team
A community of thinkers and doers
IPRS is built by people who give their time, expertise and energy — members who sustain the Institute, researchers who produce its work, and volunteers who carry it into the world.
M
Members
Founding, Executive Council, Lifetime and Annual members who guide and sustain the Institute.
R
Researchers & Interns
Research fellows, research associates and interns who carry out the Institute’s studies and analysis.
V
Volunteers
Students and professionals who help run our events, outreach, communications and community programmes.
Our vision
A society in which public policy rests on rigorous research, ethical reasoning and inclusive dialogue.
Working at local, national and global levels for sustainable development, democratic governance and public participation.
Publications
Research, written to be used
Our outputs are designed for busy readers — officials, legislators, journalists, students and citizens — without losing rigour.
Brief
Policy Briefs
Short, focused notes on a single issue with clear recommendations.
Report
Research Reports
Detailed studies combining legal, empirical and comparative analysis.
Analysis
Legislative Analyses
Clause-by-clause readings of bills, rules and new laws.
Insight
Commentaries
Timely perspectives from our members and researchers.
Support our work
Help keep policy research independent.
IPRS is a non-profit, registered trust. Your donation funds independent research, public campaigns and opportunities for students and young researchers — and keeps our work free of any single interest.
Your gift makes possible
- Fieldwork and data behind our policy briefs and reports
- Public campaigns, such as urban flood resilience
- Training and internships for students and young researchers
- Conferences, seminars and open public dialogue
Give by bank transfer or UPI. Online card payments coming soon.
Get involved
Join the conversation that shapes policy.
Become a member, apply as a researcher or intern, volunteer at our programmes, or partner with us on research and events. There is a place for you at IPRS.
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