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.
2025 Yates Lecture featuring Mona Hanna
The Murphy Institute welcomes Dr. Mona Hanna, a pediatrician, scientist, activist, and author, as the 2025 Mary C. Parker Yates Lecturer. Named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People for her role in uncovering the Flint water crisis and leading the recovery efforts, she is also the author of the acclaimed book, What the Eyes Don’t See. Through her groundbreaking program, RxKids, Dr. Mona is now reimagining how society can come together to eliminate infant poverty. The Yates Lecture is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, September 30, 2025, 4:00 pm
Lavin-Bernick Center, Qatar Ballroom (Rm 212)
Center for Ethics Public Lecture featuring Carl Hart
The 2025 CE Public Lecture Series will kick off with Dr. Carl Hart, the Mamie Phipps Clark Professor of Psychology (in Psychiatry) and Chair of the Department of Psychology at Columbia University. His talk, "Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Where the Liberty, Policy and Science Collide" explores the science of addiction and recreational drug use as part of the "pursuit of happiness." This lecture is co-sponsored by the Tulane School of Medicine and is free and open to the public.
Thursday, October 9, 4:00 PM
Lavin Bernick Center, Kendall Cram Lecture Hall
We've Moved! The Murphy Institute Has a New Campus Home
We're exited to announce that The Murphy Institute has moved to a new location on campus! You can now find us in the Caroline Richardson Building, Suite 108 (Building # 84 on the campus map, next to the Campus Health Center). We're looking forward to welcoming you to our new space. Please update your records, and we we hope to see you there soon!
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The Murphy Institute Events
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.
