The James Martin Institute for Public Policy (JMI) is set to be renamed the Australian Public Policy Institute (APPI), following consultation with our government and university partners. As a non-partisan joint-venture, this rebrand reflects the Institute’s founding commitment to support governments in tackling pressing public policy challenges with world-leading university research in Australia.

The Institute’s 2030 Strategy seeks to meet the growing demand for expert policy advice at all levels of government. Building on its work with the NSW Government and a coalition of leading universities, this rebrand follows the announcement of its new Memorandum of Understanding with the Australian Public Service Commission in January 2025 to further accelerate this work, unlocking new opportunities for its partners.

Professor Libby Hackett, CEO of the Institute, said: “At the Australian Public Policy Institute, we believe that good public policy starts with evidence. Our growing coalition of government and university partners share a deep commitment to improving policy outcomes for all Australians. These steps will further enhance our ability to strengthen public policy capabilities to meet the challenges of tomorrow. We are grateful to our partners for their ongoing commitment to this collaborative endeavour.”

“In an increasingly complex world, political leaders and policymakers require rapid access to world-leading evidence and expertise,” noted Peter Duncan AM, APPI Board member and former Acting Secretary of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet. “The Australian Public Policy Institute provides a critical resource for government decision-makers. By leveraging public investment in research to solve our biggest public policy challenges, APPI is producing real public value for Australia and for its growing coalition of partners.”

“University research and expertise is a powerful force for good,” added Professor the Hon. Verity Firth AM, Deputy Chair of the JMI Board and Vice-President of Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). “The Institute’s mission of harnessing university expertise for public policy impact will be reinforced in this next chapter of its development with expanded opportunities for engagement between researchers and policymakers.”

The Institute’s rebranding will take place next month. In parallel, it will launch the James Martin Prize for Policy Impact to recognise early-career researchers working to influence Australian public policy development and innovation.