Research

CSTEPS conducts empirically-based social science research to understand the processes, institutions, incentives and organizations that affect the global development and production of science and technology. CSTEPS also does research on the role of technology in organization change, particularly as it concerns public organizations. We are a member of a growing global network of science and environment policy organizations that collaborate on research in core project areas including global regulation and governance, adaptation to climate change, international development, R&D evaluation, science policy and science communication.

Though our research spans many fields, sectors, topics, the main goal of our work is to encourage evidence-based policy decisions for the public good-- policies that improve governance, innovation, social equity and environmental outcomes on a global scale.

Featured Projects

Accelerating Climate Adaptation via Meso-level Integration (ACAMI)

ACAMI envisions a transformed institutional context for inclusive and effective adaptation in African small scale farming systems, in which “meso-level” organizations -- connecting financial sponsors and policy makers to farmers -- use and share knowledge on their capacities and strengths in novel partnerships, helping farmers access the knowledge, data, climate services and other resources they value for improved risk management and sustainable livelihoods under climate change.
Post COVID-19 Implications for Genetic Diversity and Genomics Research & Innovation

Global consultation to identify the impacts of COVID-19 for genetic diversity and genomic research.
EAGER: Assessing Social Innovation for Resilience in Global Collaborative Research (NSF)

Research on global social innovation in science capacity in the face of COVID-19.
Scientist Opinion Panel Survey (SciOPS)

A new type of science, technology, and innovation knowledge commons.
Linking institutional logics & data sharing to research outputs before & after COVID-19 Peak (NSF).

Research looks at institutional determinants of data access and sharing as they evolve over the course of a public health crisis.
Transit Agency Weather Response & Preparedness (US DOT)

Study on how local transit agencies understand national level extreme weather events and the types of strategies they develop to address extreme weather events.
State EPSCoR Program Evaluations (NSF)

Originally established by NSF in 1979, EPSCoR supports scientific infrastructure that enhances science and engineering capacity in states. C-STEPS is currently evaluating the Kansas NSF EPSCoR program.
Connecting nuances of foreign status, professional networks, & higher education in STEM (NSF).

Research on foreign faculty by conceptualizing a broader notion of foreign status to include cultural characteristics, family composition and location, community engagement, and professional experience.
Evaluation: Large-Scale CoPe: The Cascadia Coastlines and People Hazards Research Hub (NSF)

Evaluation of the Cascadia Coastlines and Peoples Hazards Research Hub (Cascadia CoPes hub) project. The hub will inform and enable integrated hazard assessment, mitigation, and adaptation in the Pacific Northwest.

Though our research spans many fields, sectors, topics, the main goal of our work is to encourage evidence-based policy decisions for the public good-- policies that improve governance, innovation, social equity and environmental outcomes on a global scale.

Featured Projects

Learn more about our featured and past projects