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University of Notre Dame


Lessons from Venezuela’s democratic collapse: How opposition movements can defy autocratic leaders

A new paper by Laura Gamboa analyzes Venezuela's 25-year evolution, highlighting the importance of leveraging institutional spaces during democratic erasure. The study shows that using both radical strategies and institutional tactics can be effective in resisting authoritarian regimes.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·TypeCase study·DateMar 25, 2025

Diverging views of democracy fuel support for authoritarian politicians, Notre Dame study shows

A new study by the University of Notre Dame found that diverse understandings of democracy among voters can lead to votes for authoritarian-leaning political leaders. Voters who supported democracy in principle but adhered less strongly to liberal democratic norms were more likely to tolerate democratic violations.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalBritish Journal of Political Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2025

Aspects of marriage counseling may hold the key to depolarizing, unifying the country, study finds

A recent study found that 'reciprocal group reflection' - an intervention inspired by marriage counseling - helped reduce affective polarization among opposing political parties. Participants showed reduced signs of division and increased willingness to support depolarization efforts, even after six months.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPolitical Behavior·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 30, 2025

Protective actions need regulatory support to fully defend homeowners and coastal communities, study finds

A recent study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction found that US homeowners take proactive steps to protect their properties before and after hurricanes, but often fall short due to inadequate regulations. The study's methodology provides a framework for future research on incentivizing comprehensive prote...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeSurvey·DateJan 15, 2025

Research on Colombian peace accord shows that addressing gender issues strengthens peace agreements

A new study by University of Notre Dame researcher Madhav Joshi examines the Colombian peace agreement's implementation and finds that addressing gender-related issues is critical to its success. The study reveals that prioritizing gender leads to a more comprehensive approach, addressing broader societal needs.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPolicy Studies Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 2, 2025

Black men — including transit workers — are targets for aggression on public transportation, study shows

A new study by Gwendolyn Purifoye found that Black men are targeted with aggression on buses and trains, leading to erosion of their sense of dignity and self-worth. The researchers observed repeated avoidance behaviors by non-Black passengers and surveillance by authority figures.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalSociology of Race and Ethnicity·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 2024

Democrats and Republicans agree on one thing: Censoring hate speech

Researchers found that Democrats and Republicans generally agree on what to censor when it comes to hate speech, with both parties prioritizing similar targets and severity levels. The study's findings suggest that social media companies can find consensus policies that get broad support, even in a highly polarized era.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateOct 17, 2024

Firms that withdrew from Russia following Ukraine invasion earn higher consumer sentiment

Research from the University of Notre Dame found that companies that withdrew from Russian operations saw a notable increase in net brand buzz and enhanced brand consideration and purchase intent, especially those with robust ESG profiles. This suggests that socially responsible actions during geopolitical crises can magnify benefits f...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateSep 23, 2024

Virtual learning detrimental to school attendance, especially in districts with higher poverty rates, study finds

A study by the University of Notre Dame found that virtual learning led to a significant increase in chronic absenteeism, particularly in school districts with higher poverty rates. This resulted in lower test scores, reduced social interactions, and decreased high school graduation rates. The research suggests that students from vulne...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 5, 2024

Notre Dame researchers create new tool to analyze embodied carbon in more than 1 million buildings in Chicago

Notre Dame researchers have created a new tool to analyze embodied carbon in over 1 million buildings in Chicago, providing policymakers with actionable data to inform urban development decisions. The study found that extending the lifespan of buildings and reducing their size can decrease carbon emissions by two-thirds.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalCarbon Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 4, 2024

‘Silent’ mutations found to have repercussions beyond their own gene

Silent gene mutations may have significant consequences beyond their own gene, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers found that synonymous mutations in one gene can increase the production of a neighboring gene by recruiting RNA polymerase to cryptic transcription sites.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2024

US states shape foreign policy amid national China unease, research shows

A new study by University of Notre Dame researchers finds that US states are shaping US-China relations through subnational diplomacy, ranging from pro-engagement to confrontation. States like California and Indiana engage with China through climate partnerships and educational exchanges, while others adopt more confrontational policies.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPublius The Journal of Federalism·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 27, 2024

Political elites take advantage of anti-partisan protests to disrupt politics

New research from the University of Notre Dame reveals that protest movements against political parties can inadvertently empower politicians who use them to disrupt the status quo. The study analyzed 12 case studies across Europe, Asia, and North and South America between 2008 and 2016, finding varying outcomes including factional cha...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·TypeCase study·DateMay 24, 2024

There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to addressing men’s health issues globally

Research from the University of Notre Dame finds that life transitions and global health policies for men vary across communities, with differing effects on physical and mental health. Men's life expectancy lags behind women's, and health interventions should focus on individual needs and cultural contexts.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2024

Essays on democracy draw attention to critical threats, explore safeguards ahead of Jan. 6

A collection of essays from leading scholars explores the vulnerabilities in the US democratic system and proposes practical steps to strengthen and safeguard it. The authors examine the rise of fascist politics, divisive rhetoric, and social divisions that threaten American democracy.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 25, 2024

Cancer therapies show promise in combating tuberculosis

Researchers have identified a combination of medications that may improve blood flow within granulomas, benefiting drug delivery and reducing bacterial burden in tuberculosis-infected rabbits. The study leverages decades of cancer research to study tuberculosis-affected lung tissue and improves treatment.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2024

Notre Dame literacy research can improve learning outcomes and fight global poverty

Researchers evaluated an early-grade literacy intervention in Haiti, identifying factors that influenced outcomes, including instructional time, curriculum uptake, and school leadership. The study's findings can inform future literacy interventions to create opportunity for millions of children globally.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalComparative Education Review·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 29, 2024

‘A ticking clock’: First ground-based survey of damage to Ukrainian cultural sites reveals severity, need for urgency

Researchers from the University of Notre Dame document extensive damage to Ukraine's cultural heritage sites, including churches, schools, and archaeological sites. The team found widespread devastation caused by missile strikes and underground trench systems, with many historical buildings and monuments affected.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAntiquity·TypeObservational study·DateDec 13, 2023