Research Topics

Academic Research and White Papers

Explore public policy research produced by Herbert Institute faculty, fellows, students, and community partners.

Research Library

Browse All Research

Browse reports, policy briefs, case studies, videos, webinars, and other public policy resources by subject.

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Public Policy

Policy Research

Research examining education, government, economic development, and other public policy issues affecting Utah.

Education and Workforce
Capitol Building Steps
Government and the Constitution

Constitutionalism and Federalism Initiative

Research examining constitutional government, federalism, separation of powers, and the relationship between state and federal authority.

Ballot, American flag, and I Voted sticker
Voting and Elections

Research on Elections

Research on AI-generated media, election security, ranked choice voting, voter confidence, and voter access.

AI Deepfakes in Elections
Election Security
Ranked Choice Voting
Additional Election Research
Utah Lake shoreline with reeds, water, and rocks
Natural Resources

Conservation

Research examining Utah's natural resources, wildlife management, watersheds, and conservation history.

Land Conservation
Water Conservation
Animal Conservation
Secure digital information displayed on a mobile phone
Technology and Privacy

Data Governance

Research examining privacy, transparency, digital identity, and the responsible collection and use of government data.

Legislation Summary

Shaping Utah's Digital Future: A Summary of Key 2026 Legislation

A summary of four digital governance bills passed during the 2026 Utah legislative session.

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Research Paper

A Comparison of States' Efforts Toward Governing Citizens' Personal Data

An examination of state privacy laws and Utah's approach to government data.

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Research Paper

The Current State of Data Governance in Utah

Research on balancing privacy, transparency, security, and responsible data use.

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More Data Governance Research