WHO WE ARE
Our Mission AND HISTORY
We are a nonpartisan, student-run think tank at the
University of Chicago, working to channel public policy interest into evidence-based, collaborative, and solution-driven projects.
Inspired by the life of Senator Paul H. Douglas, we promote
public service through rigorous research, technical assistance,
and partnerships with legislators and civic organizations,
using a multidisciplinary and nonpartisan approach.
Senator Paul H. Douglas
The Paul Douglas Institute originated from the University of Chicago Democracy Initiative (UCDI)
in 2017, aiming to impact public discourse through research.
In 2018, PDI became a federally registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and, in 2019, co-founded the
Global Student Policy Alliance, uniting student-led think tanks worldwide.
Today, with 100+ members, PDI has completed 30+ policy projects,
collaborating with governments, nonprofits, and think tanks across the U.S. and internationally.
THE EVOLUTION OF PDI
Guiding PrincipleS
POLICY
ORGANIZATION
We care about national and social issues.
Researcher interests ensure our policy work remains relevant and grounded in real-world concerns.
We work towards common goals, building bridges
and making policy creation more participatory,
collaborative, and consensus-driven.
We uphold ethics + democracy, advocating for transparent governance protecting freedoms,
and empowering civic engagement.
We emphasize student leadership, empowering
members to take initiative and explore their
research interests with confidence.
We equip members with the skills for rigorous policy
research and ethical analysis through education,
guided by faculty and practitioners.
We foster a strong community, built on mutual
respect, diverse perspectives, and substantive
debate, ensuring members take pride in their work.
RESEARCH
We uphold rigorous and open inquiry,
fostering the University of Chicago’s commitment
to free expression, dialogue, and questioning.
We are committed to non-partisanship,
ensuring that our research remains free
from political affiliation and bias.
We prioritize evidence-based research,
grounding our policy work in data, careful analysis,
and a deep commitment to intellectual integrity.