The Cornell Program in Infrastructure Policy (CPIP) at Cornell University has a history of developing innovative policy solutions to improve critical infrastructure in the United States. One of the few centers of its kind, the program brings together leading scholars from several colleges including engineering, economics, and biology, in addition to practitioners from the finance, trade, and construction industry to uncover real world solutions. With a gift from the Charles Koch Foundation, CPIP will be able to expand its teaching, research, and public policy engagement initiatives.
“Improving and sustaining the nation’s infrastructure is a critical need, and Cornell is in an excellent position to lead policy research and engagement in this important area,” said Emmanuel Giannelis, vice provost for research and vice president for technology transfer, intellectual property, and research policy. “This gift supports these efforts and we are proud that CPIP is at the forefront of this crucial mission.”
Since its founding in 2012, CPIP and the center’s founder Rick Geddes, professor of policy analysis and management in the College of Human Ecology, have made numerous recommendations for challenges including limited funding and “the need to make infrastructure more resilient to natural disasters and terrorism.”
“My goal,” Geddes said, “is to make Cornell the No. 1 academic center for infrastructure policy studies .”
Charlie Ruger, vice president of philanthropy at the Charles Koch Foundation, says, “The world-class scholars within the Cornell Program in Infrastructure Policy have the potential to discover innovative solutions to critical transportation and other infrastructure challenges, which can improve millions of peoples’ lives. We’re proud to support their work as the program expands its capabilities to drive progress.”
Learn more about the center here, and read the grant agreement here.