The Murphy Institute
Understanding and analyzing the economic, moral, and political problems of our time
Established in memory of Charles H. Murphy, Sr. (1870-1954), and inspired by the vision of Charles H. Murphy, Jr. (1920-2002), The Murphy Institute exists to help Tulane faculty and students understand economic, moral, and political problems we all face and think about. More importantly, it exists to help us understand how these problems have come to be so closely interconnected.
Center for Public Policy Research welcomes Dan Friess as Director
The Murphy Institute has appointed Daniel Friess, Tulane's Cochran Family Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences, as the new director of its Center for Public Policy Research (CPPR), effective July 1, 2025. A renowned coastal scientist with expertise in "blue" carbon and climate change adaptation, Dan brings a global perspective and a commitment to translating research into practical policy solutions. In this role, he will lead CPPR's mission to address critical 21st-century policy challenges in areas such as the environment, housing, and health policy.
The Murphy Institute invites Tulane researchers to access restricted U.S. Census data free of charge from the Atlanta Research Data Center (ARDC)
In partnership with the Center for Public Policy Research (CPPR), Tulane has joined with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and other Southeastern universities to provide access to confidential, otherwise unavailable data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, the Social Security Administration and other federal agencies. CPPR covers the cost for Tulane researchers to access the ARDC.
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Centers & Academic Programs
The Murphy Institute is a one-of-a-kind intellectual center – not just for Tulane, but for the nation. No other institution in the country provides an undergraduate education focused on political and economic dynamics, fosters ethical reflection on social values, promotes research and outreach on public policy, and supports pathbreaking legal scholarship.
Coordinates research and discussion of ethics and public affairs for faculty and graduate students
A multi-disciplinary research center that balances academic research with applied work
Promotes research and collaboration on issues in developed and developing economies
Undergraduate Program in Political Economy
This major promotes reflection on the connections between political and economic activities and institutions. Our approach develops complementary strengths in multiple areas.
Master of Arts in Political Economy with Data Analytics
This program provides a multidisciplinary education around political economy themes and the data analytics tools and approaches necessary to apply that knowledge in academic work, government, and industry.
THE EXCHANGE: Showcasing Innovation and Collaboration
Published each fall, THE EXCHANGE is The Murphy Institute's annual newsletter, featuring news and highlights from Murphy events, programming, and new initiatives as we continue to expand our presence and impact on campus, in the broader community and across the globe. Click the buttons below to see the latest issue.
