New Brunswick launches institute to improve policymaking

A research institute at the University of New Brunswick will provide researchers with access to government data to help evaluate policies and improve government decision-making.

The New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training, launched on 5 May, is a partnership between the provincial government and the university and will provide the physical and database infrastructure necessary to conduct population research on health and wellness, education and training, economic development, crime and demography.

“One of the key goals of the institute is to conduct policy-relevant research to support informed and effective government decision-making,” said Ted McDonald, UNB professor of economics and institute director. “The institute is an important piece of the close, ongoing relationship between government and academia that will ultimately lead to better-informed government decision-making and a better province for residents.”