Corwin Smidt, associate professor of Political Science and former interim chair of the department, has been named interim director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research in the College of Social Science.
Smidt is stepping in for current IPPSR Director Matt Grossmann, professor of political science, who will be focusing on his role as an Andrew Carnegie Fellow.
Smidt studies American electoral politics, presidential primaries, election administration, campaign politics and dynamics in American political behavior. He served as interim chair of the department from 2019 to 2022.
“Matt Grossmann has IPPSR working on some very important projects that will benefit Michigan governance. I very much look forward to pushing those forward and supporting IPPSR as a resource for this University and State,” Smidt said.
IPPSR applies research to pressing public policy issues and builds problem-solving relationships between academic and policymaker communities. It operates several prestigious programs, including the Michigan Political Leadership Program, the Legislative Leadership Program, the Office for Survey Research, the State of the State Survey and the Public Policy Forums.
The institute will continue to be at the forefront of research, surveys, education and training under Smidt’s tenure, Grossmann said.
Grossmann was recently named one of 26 researchers selected for the 2025 class of Andrew Carnegie fellowship, which will allow him to continue research on the causes of our society has become so polarized and how we can strengthen the forces of cohesion to fortify our democracy.
Grossmann’s project, a book tentatively titled "Policymaking for Realists: Bipartisan Progress in a Polarized Age", will argue that the way through our intense polarization is recognizing that institutions require bipartisanship — not just occasional working coalitions but a broader acknowledgment that both sides are here to stay and have something to offer.
Grossmann will resume directorship of IPPSR upon the completion of his fellowship.
This story originally appeared on the Department of Political Science website.