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Are public sector workers motivated to do the job?

A new study found that public sector workers' motivation is closely tied to their work environment. The research identified four profiles of public servants with varying levels of motivation, which are shaped by both individual psychology and environmental constraints.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalReview of Public Personnel Administration·TypeSurvey·DateApr 13, 2026

Study finds correlation between public health, tax policies

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers found a strong correlation between state tax revenue and public health policies during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. States with higher sales tax revenue were associated with shorter stay-at-home orders, while those without sales tax had longer durations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalContemporary Accounting Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 9, 2026

People in need of disability benefits are facing new barriers – and government cuts and overhauls are to blame

The federal disability benefits system has become more difficult to navigate due to staffing reductions and administrative changes. Researchers found that 16 million people, including those in severe medical crises or on the edge of homelessness, are facing increased barriers to accessing desperately needed cash assistance. The report ...

SourceBinghamton University·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2026

Stark divide: Americans more confident in career scientists at US health agencies than leaders

A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that Americans are more confident in career scientists at federal health agencies such as the CDC, NIH, and FDA, than in their leaders. The survey also reveals a significant gap in confidence between career scientists and agency leaders, with only 5% of Americans expressing

Citizens engage with information in different ways during a crisis – understanding this can support public authorities’ communication efforts

A recent study in Finland identified four distinct citizen engagement profiles during a health crisis: those prioritizing accuracy, plausibility, credibility, and cohesion. Understanding these differences can support public authorities' communication efforts to promote collaboration and informed decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalInternational Journal of Public Sector Management·DateFeb 25, 2026

Global plastics treaty negotiations: Success is still possible

Negotiations for a global plastics treaty stalled in August, hindering progress on addressing marine plastic pollution. Experts warn that current procedures lack prioritization and clear rules, jeopardizing efforts to tackle the crisis. The authors propose three key changes to revive talks and address the issue holistically.

To reduce CO2 emissions, policy on carbon pricing, taxation and investment in renewable energy is key

A new study evaluates climate policies in 40 countries, finding that a comprehensive toolkit including carbon pricing, taxation, and renewable energy investments is most effective. Countries like Australia, Canada, and Japan have substantial potential to strengthen their climate performance by increasing fossil fuel excise taxes.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalClimate Policy·DateJan 29, 2026

History offers warning on dollar and deficits

A new study warns that the U.S. government's fiscal capacity depends on the dominance of the U.S. dollar, and potential losses for bondholders could be significant if another currency replaces it. Historically, countries with a strong currency have experienced economic downturns when their dominance wanes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateJan 15, 2026

With telehealth coverage on the brink, study shows it hasn’t driven up total visits

A recent University of Michigan study analyzed over 60 million Medicare participants and found that total visits remained stable or declined slightly through June 2024. Despite widespread adoption of telehealth, overall healthcare visits stayed steady or decreased, contradicting predictions of increased utilization.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2026

Study shows how kidnapping of athlete's father influenced society, president across continents

A study from the University of Kansas found that the kidnapping of Luis Manuel Díaz, father of Colombian soccer star Luis “Lucho” Díaz, resulted in coverage that portrayed his son as a national hero and cast doubt on peace negotiations. The media framing of the story had broader implications for the Total Peace initiative and the Petro...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSport in Society·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 14, 2026

Can a hashtag help prevent atrocities? Study shows social media can be a powerful tool

A new study by Binghamton University Professor Eric Wiebelhaus-Brahm found that social media hashtags can help identify early warning signs of violence and amplify local voices. The research examined social media campaigns in Canada and Syria, analyzing over 5,000 posts tied to #TruthAndReconciliation and #SaveSyria.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Comparative Policy Analysis Research and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 14, 2026

How to make communities more resilient to climate change

Researchers at North Carolina State University propose a 'compounded resilience' strategy to help local governments prepare for and adapt to climate change. By incorporating policies that improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance infrastructure, communities can become more resilient and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 6, 2026

Jeonbuk National University researcher proposes a proposing a two-stage decision-making framework of lithium governance in Latin America

A new study proposes a two-stage decision-making framework for lithium governance in Latin America, highlighting the role of external pressures, internal politics, and industry development. The research suggests that engagement strategies must consider these factors to succeed in the region.

SourceJeonbuk National University, Sustainable Strategy team, Planning and Coordination Division·JournalThe Extractive Industries and Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2025

Collaborating for improved governance

The study explores how to nurture and manage collaborative networks to improve community-level outcomes, particularly in food systems, regional economic development, and renewable energy innovation. It focuses on the characteristics of collaborative processes, such as network density, diversity, inclusion, and participation.

Study shows people support higher taxes after understanding benefits of public goods

Researchers found that providing information on the benefits of public goods increases support for higher taxation, with effects observed across income levels and political stances. The study suggests that investment in public goods can act as a 'political foundation' to enhance citizens' support for government and enable redistribution.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJapanese Economic Review·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2025

Small changes in turnout could substantially alter election results in the future, study warns

A new study by University of Exeter's Elections Centre finds that small changes in voter turnout can significantly impact election outcomes due to the UK's multiparty system. The research reveals a fragmented electorate with diverse preferences, leading to increased instability and competitiveness in constituencies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalParliamentary Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 17, 2025

Efficiency rankings used by governments and businesses may not be accurate, according to new research

Efficiency rankings may misrepresent performance due to sudden disruptions or gradual improvements, according to a new study. The Time Envelopment Analysis (TEA) method developed by researchers combines three tools to track performance over time, showing improved accuracy compared to existing methods.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeObservational study·DateNov 13, 2025

A sequence of human rights violations precedes mass atrocities, new research shows

Researchers develop an indicator to predict the possibility of genocide based on escalating human rights abuses, including declining workers' rights, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The sequence of violations can culminate in mass atrocities, with the United Nations ultimately deciding whether they meet the criteria for genocide.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Comparative Policy Analysis Research and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 4, 2025

University of Oklahoma researchers propose novel solution to Indian Health Service underfunding

University of Oklahoma researchers suggest creating a trust fund to increase and sustain funding for the Indian Health Service, addressing chronic underfunding that has led to health disparities among Indigenous populations. The proposed trust fund model is similar to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund and aims to generate ongo...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 16, 2025

States could be held accountable for private security actions

Research from Edith Cowan University suggests that states can be held accountable for human rights violations committed by private military companies. Associate Professor Shannon Bosch explains that ARISWA provides a means for the international community to hold states responsible for actions taken by private military firms on their be...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of African Law·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 12, 2025

Trump is the primary source of US disinformation in POC media, finds ICFJ study

A new study by the International Center for Journalists and US universities found that Trump was the main source and distributor of disinformation in ethnic and Indigenous press in the US. The research also linked the prevalence of political disinformation to a decline in trust in the news and an increase in violence against journalists.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 1, 2025