Research & publications
Independent analysis for informed decisions.
IPRS produces evidence-based research on governance, law and public policy — written to inform decisions, enrich public debate and stand up to scrutiny.
Our approach
Research that is rigorous, relevant and readable
Good policy research does three things at once: it gets the facts right, it asks the questions that matter now, and it explains its findings in a way that busy people can use.
Our researchers combine doctrinal legal analysis with empirical data, field inputs and comparative study of how other jurisdictions have tackled similar problems. Every major output is reviewed internally, and wherever possible we test draft findings with practitioners and the communities concerned before we publish.
- Legal and regulatory analysis of bills, statutes, rules and judgments
- Empirical research using public data, surveys and field consultations
- Comparative study of policy experience in India and abroad
- Stakeholder roundtables to test and refine recommendations
Publication formats
What we publish
Different readers need different formats. Our outputs range from two-page briefs to detailed reports.
01
Policy Briefs
Concise notes of two to six pages on a single issue, setting out the problem, the evidence and clear, actionable recommendations.
02
Research Reports
Detailed studies that combine legal, empirical and comparative analysis on a significant question of public policy.
03
Legislative Analyses
Clause-by-clause readings of new bills, amendments and rules, highlighting gaps, risks and possible improvements.
04
Working Papers
Early-stage research shared for comment and discussion, often by our research associates and interns.
05
Commentaries
Short, timely articles from our members and researchers on current developments, published on our Blog.
06
Consultation Submissions
Responses to public consultations by government departments, commissions and regulators.
Research themes
Our research agenda
Our six focus areas, and some of the questions that guide our work within each.
G
Governance & Public Administration
Institutions, accountability and the quality of public service delivery.
Questions we ask
- How can local bodies deliver services more transparently?
- What makes oversight institutions effective?
L
Law & Legislative Studies
Bills, statutes and regulatory frameworks, with recommendations for reform.
Questions we ask
- Is a new law clear, workable and constitutional?
- How have similar laws worked elsewhere?
J
Social Justice & Human Rights
Rights, inclusion and access to justice for marginalised communities.
Questions we ask
- Who is left out of a scheme or law, and why?
- How can legal aid and awareness reach further?
E
Education & Capacity Building
Learning, skills and the training of the next generation of researchers.
Questions we ask
- How can schools teach civic and climate literacy?
- What helps young people enter policy careers?
T
Technology, Data & Innovation
Data-driven research and the governance of emerging technologies.
Questions we ask
- How should AI and data protection be regulated?
- How can public data be used responsibly?
S
Sustainable Development & Global Affairs
Climate, development and international cooperation.
Questions we ask
- How can climate commitments translate into local action?
- What can India learn from comparative practice?
Our standards
Research you can trust
Independence
Our conclusions are our own. Funders and partners have no say over findings.
Review
Major outputs are reviewed by at least one member who did not write them.
Transparency
We cite our sources and explain our methods and their limits.
Ethics
We seek informed consent and protect the privacy of participants.
Collaborate
Research partnerships
We welcome collaboration with institutions and individuals who share our commitment to evidence-based policy.
Universities & institutes
Joint studies, co-authored papers, student research projects and shared events.
Government & public bodies
Commissioned research, expert inputs and responses to public consultations.
Civil society & individuals
Field partnerships, community consultations and contributions to our publications.
Our first publications are being prepared and will appear on our Blog. To propose a study, contribute a paper or request a briefing, write to iprs.global@gmail.com.
Contribute
Have a research idea or a paper to share?
We publish work by our members, researchers and invited contributors. Send us a short abstract and we will get back to you.