About Us

Our mission is to advance reforms that incentivize politicians and public servants to address pressing societal problems while adhering to the ideals of a free society. We believe that robust institutions are essential to meet the challenges facing our democracy.

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In an era marked by declining public trust and increasing polarization, PAIR aims to strengthen confidence in democratic institutions by fostering thoughtful and informed dialogue. Rather than framing politics through simplistic narratives of heroes and villains, we encourage a more nuanced approach—one that reflects the principles behind Senator Bayh’s legacy: a commitment to designing effective rules and incentives, valuing scientific expertise, promoting bipartisan collaboration, and maintaining a pragmatic understanding of what can be achieved.

PAIR pursues its mission through events and programming that fit into three overlapping channels: scholarship, engagement, and education.

Our Work

Professor presenting research to attendees at a conference.

Research Initiatives

Research Initiatives

PAIR conducts high-quality, relevant research on American institutions. We also promote high-quality research by scholars at Purdue and other top universities by convening graduate research events, panels and roundtables at national conference, and our own annual research conference.

Students visiting the Indiana Statehouse.

Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning

We organize programming for the broader Purdue community, connect students to research opportunities and provide special courses. This includes campus talks and an annual student trip to the Indiana Statehouse.

Student panel discussion

Practitioner Engagement

PAIR works to ensure that strong research does not remain within the ivory tower and instead helps to inform the actions of politicians, public servants, and advocates within American politics. To this end, we organize exchanges between academics and practitioners, bring practitioners to campus, and translate some of our own work in popular outlets.