At its core, the Institute serves as a hub for social policy research agendas that seek to reduce inequality in education, health, housing and household financial security. Resident researchers work with scholars across Washington University to field original research utilizing diverse methodologies—from qualitative exploratory studies to randomized controlled trials. Projects often involve collaborations with industry, government, and academic partners on research and development that apply insights from academic theory to program design and implementation. SPI also aims to expand the University’s capacity to apply data analytics to solve social policy challenges.
Centene Center for Health Transformation
Health
The Centene Center for Health Transformation is a community-industry-academic healthcare partnership that advances people centered health solutions to improve lives so that communities can thrive.
Global Policy Research
Financial Security
The Social Policy Institute is involved in several international research projects that focus on advancing financial security and improving the delivery of social services.
Household Financial Survey (HFS)
Financial Security
Since 2013 SPI researchers have conducted the Household Financial Survey, a national, twice-per-year survey administered to a random sample of low- and moderate-income online tax filers.
Operation Food Search – Fresh Rx
Health
This study is an evaluation of the Fresh Rx: Nourishing Heathy Starts, a program administered by Operation Food Search providing food and nutrition supports to food insecure pregnant women to improve health and birth outcomes.
Workforce Financial Stability Initiative (WFSI)
Financial Security
Established in 2017, the Workforce Financial Stability Initiative (WFSI) seeks to understand how frontline employees’ work conditions and benefits affect their financial stability and to identify and test workplace innovations to improve these conditions.