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What we do

JMI’s mission is to drive policy innovation that will address societal challenges and improve lives. The JMI model brings policymakers together with experts to generate practical policy ideas, grounded in evidence, build ongoing relationships across sectors, and deliver real impact for the public good.

Policy Areas

JMI’s collaborative approach is designed to tackle complex problems, such as the transition to a net zero economy, inequality, or housing. The Institute has identified several interconnected areas where we see a strong potential to contribute to policy development and innovation:   

  • The new economy. Shaping markets – including through industrial transformations and technological development – to boost productivity, create good jobs, reduce inequality and enhance resilience.

  • The future of work and education. Delivering the education, skills and training needed to drive economic dynamism while ensuring greater social cohesion and opportunity, including in the wake of artificial intelligence and frontier technologies.  

  • Environmental sustainability and climate transition. Mitigating and adapting to climate change, enabling an inclusive transition to a net zero economy, and addressing threats to biodiversity and ecosystems.  

  • The strength of our regions. Empowering our regional, rural and remote communities by fostering their social, economic and democratic vitality.  

  • The health and wellbeing of our communities. Advancing the wellbeing and health of our people, including through a revitalised and strengthened care economy.  

We welcome opportunities to engage with partners on a wide range of policy priorities, including those outlined above, where JMI’s unique approach can add value and collaborative expertise. 

Our workstreams

Collaborative projects

JMI collaborative projects are unique. They are delivered by joint project teams, comprising of Institute staff, policymakers, and academic experts. An Expert Advisory Group (EAG) provides advice and direction to the blended project team.

JMI collaborative projects:

  • Tackle the big, multi-dimensional policy challenges facing governments

  • Leverage expertise from academics, policymakers, practitioners and the wider community to deliver innovative and pragmatic solutions

  • Forge dynamic collaborations between academic experts and government policymakers that enable ongoing relationships

List of projects
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Collaborate with us

Our projects are jointly agreed between government, other partners and JMI. Get in touch to find out what projects are in the pipeline to see if your area of expertise aligns with our current activity, or to discuss partnering with us on a project.
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Rapid response capability

In recognition of the pace and complexity of policymaking, JMI works with government and other partners to deliver rapid response options that support robust policy development and outcomes. These rapid response options involve a variety of outputs and activities, including:

  • Connecting policymakers to experts

  • Facilitating analytical policy workshops

  • Producing short policy briefs

List of rapid responses
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Contribute your expertise

These projects respond to a time-sensitive request from government. Reach out to find out what rapid responses are underway or to discuss partnering with us on a project.
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JMI Policy Challenge Grant

This prestigious annual award program supports policy-focused research that tackles some of the greatest challenges facing NSW. Through a rigorous selection process, grants are awarded to outstanding academics undertaking applied policy research, or translating existing research for a policy audience. Successful projects generate new insights, foster engagement between academics, policymakers and other stakeholders, and support policy outcomes that improve lives.

Key benefits:

  • Receive research funding

  • Foster policy innovation

  • Maximise impact

List of grants
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Apply for a grant

For more information about the application process and key dates, visit the webpage of the JMI Policy Challenge Grant program.
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JMI Policy Fellows

JMI Policy Fellows pursue independent and rigorous policy-relevant research with a strong potential to generate public value and impact.

There are two streams for these fellowships. The public service stream provides suitably qualified public servants with the opportunity to pursue independent in-depth policy research through the Institute. The academic stream provides researchers from our member universities with the opportunity to develop and share their policy-relevant insights.

All JMI Policy Fellows will undertake an analysis of a significant policy challenge or opportunity for NSW and develop bold yet feasible opportunities for public policy and government action, backed by relevant evidence. Their work will contribute meaningfully to future policy options benefiting the people of NSW.

List of past fellowships
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Become a fellow

Sign up for updates on the JMI Policy Fellowship program.
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The Policymaker

The Policymaker is a digital publication of the James Martin Institute for Public Policy. We are a platform for policymakers and the public to access opinion articles on innovative and constructive ideas and proposals. The Policymaker is solution-driven. We take an independent and non-partisan stance.

Write for The Policymaker

Learn more about how to submit your pitch for a Policymaker article here.

Convenings

JMI regularly convenes policymakers, industry and community, and academic experts in various formats. These events showcase innovative ideas that will shape the future of public policy in Australia.

Event formats include:

  • Annual flagship events

  • Policy workshops and roundtables

  • Webinars

  • Networking events

List of events
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Join our events

Sign up to receive updates on our events program.
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