Explore Our Research

Through the integration of theory, scholarly research and practice, the Center for Public Service enhances the legitimacy and effectiveness of public service institutions and democratic governance.

The Center for Urban Studies facilitates, supports and promotes multidisciplinary research and community service by faculty and students at the Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning on urban and regional systems, policies and issues, such as planning and growth management, community development, sustainability, energy, transportation, economic development, housing, equity and justice.

The Criminal Justice Policy Research Institute (CJPRI) strives to promote informed decision-making on the complex issues related to crime prevention, crime control, and the criminal justice process. Its goal is to provide policymakers and the public with research and empirical guidance that is objective, practical, rigorous, and evidence- and theory-based to advance efficient, effective, and equitable policy and practice in the field of criminal justice.

Founded in 1969, the mission of the Institute on Aging (IOA) is to enhance understanding of aging and to facilitate opportunities for elders, families, and communities to thrive. IOA specializes in research on a variety of topics, including best practices in housing and long-term care, planning for age- and dementia-friendly communities, aging services organizational decision making, work-life issues and family caregiving, social relationships in late life, global aging and research methods.

Founded in 1991, the PSU Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies (IMS) serves as a “front door” to the Portland community through engagement, research and convening. IMS helps community and regional partners connect with PSU faculty and students around issues related to urban and regional development in the Portland metropolitan region. Its engaged research leverages PSU’s faculty expertise and resources around important issues facing the Portland metropolitan region.

The National Policy Consensus Center (NPCC) is committed to advancing the use of collaborative governance methods in Oregon and nationally through innovative services, education, and research that help people collaborate to address public policy disputes and implement community-based solutions. NPCC research focuses on collaborative governance practices through evaluation of collaboration projects, and development and testing of innovative approaches for consensus-seeking, problem solving, and governance. 

The Population Research Center (PRC) is an interdisciplinary public service, research, and training unit for population-related data and research for the State of Oregon. The mission of PRC is to provide population data, information, and research analysis for Oregon and its communities. Center staff engage in a variety of demographic activities, including the Oregon State Data Center, the Oregon Population Estimates and Projections Program, and a variety of population projects.