About IPPR
Introduction
The Institute for Public Policy Research is the UK’s leading progressive think tank, producing cutting edge research and innovative policy ideas for a just, democratic and sustainable world.
ippr was founded by Lord Hollick, who developed the idea for an independent progressive think tank in 1986. With Lord Eatwell, Lord Hollick spent two years establishing the institute, which was publicly launched in 1988 with Tessa Blackstone as its first chair and James Cornford as its first director.
Since 1988, we have been at the forefront of progressive debate and policymaking in the UK. Through our independent research and analysis we define new agendas for change and provide practical solutions to challenges across the full range of public policy issues.
With offices in both London and Newcastle, we ensure our outlook is as broad-based as possible, while our International Team, Climate Change Programme, and Migration, Equalities and Citizenship Team extend our partnerships and influence beyond the UK, giving us a truly world-class reputation for high quality research.
By supporting ippr, you become a partner in this work, helping us to maintain the momentum of progressive thought and shape the policies of the future.
For a snapshot of our recent activities, download the Summer 2007 edition of our newsletter, In View (pdf).
think tank of the year 2007
In October 2007 ippr became the first ever think tank to win the Prospect Magazine's ‘Think Tank of the Year’ Award for the second time. In the Great Hall at Kings College, ippr Co-Director Lisa Harker was presented with the award by Schools Secretary Ed Balls MP. Explaining the judges' decision, David Walker, editor of the Guardian’s Public Magazine, explained that ippr was now 'a household name' and cited ippr’s outstanding reports such as Freedom’s Orphans, States of Reason, Britain's Immigrants: an Economic Profile and Whitehall’s Black Box. The last time ippr won was in 2001.
independence
Our agenda is simple: we want to build a fairer, more democratic and environmentally sustainable world. We are driven by these values, not by any party or interest group.
We are ambitious for what can be achieved by good public policy. We aim to inform policy debates and are prepared to challenge orthodoxy and prevailing wisdom - from whatever side of the argument.
We have built a reputation on high research standards and innovative thinking. Studies show we are rated positively by politicians from all parties - a rare distinction.
