Monash University and the Australian Public Policy Institute, a joint-venture between governments and universities, have announced a partnership to strengthen evidence-based public policy. Monash University is the eighth university partner championing stronger research-to-policy engagement through the APPI partnership.
A member of Australia’s Group of Eight and a highly ranked, globally-engaged university, Monash University offers expertise spanning a wide range of policy domains – from global health to industrial transformation. Spearheaded by Monash University Business School, the partnership with APPI will provide Australian governments with access to interdisciplinary expertise from across Monash’s research community to support decision-making on complex policy challenges.
Professor Simon Wilkie, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics and Head of Monash Business School, said the partnership aligns with the University’s commitment to public purpose and impact. “Monash University is dedicated to more effectively utilising research and education to help communities thrive. APPI provides a practical platform that enables our researchers to contribute to policy development in ways that are rigorous and impact-driven,” he said.
APPI Chief Executive, Libby Hackett, said Monash University’s focus on real-world impact and tangible outcomes aligns strongly with the Institute’s mission. “Monash University brings exceptional scale, diversity and research capability to the partnership. The University’s emphasis on research translation, co-design and impact makes it a natural partner for APPI as we support governments to design policies that deliver meaningful and lasting change.”
Chair of the APPI Board, Peter Varghese AO, said Monash University’s participation reinforces APPI’s national role. “We are delighted to be welcoming Monash University to the APPI partnership. Its addition further consolidates APPI’s position as a national platform for collaboration between government and research institutions, supporting better public policy outcomes for all Australians. This new partnership strengthens our coverage and expands the range of research capabilities we can draw on to support government priorities.”
Through the partnership, APPI will work with Monash University researchers on government-responsive projects across key policy priority areas. Monash researchers will also be eligible to participate in APPI’s 2026 Policy Challenge Grants, Policy Fellowships and capability-building programs, which are designed to support effective engagement with government.
