Whether exploring trade policy, digital governance, or international cooperation, the Max Bell School’s research goes beyond theoretical frameworks to emphasize the practical realities of public policy. Our approach not only examines the principles of effective policy design but also delves into the critical details of policy implementation, ensuring that innovative ideas translate into impactful, real-world solutions.

Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy

The Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy led by Taylor Owen is McGill’s focal point on critical research and public debate about the role of media and emerging technologies in shaping democracy and public life, pioneering research and policy activism on the interplay between media and technology and its relationship to public life and democracy.

McGill Growth Lab

Launched in 2026, this research collaboration with the Growth Lab at the Harvard Kennedy School is focused on economic growth and policy analysis in Canada. The Lab will conduct applied research projects at the national, provincial, and city level, and use economic complexity, growth diagnostics, and related methods to diagnose growth constraints and prescribe policy solutions. The Max Bell School joins the HKS' network of affiliated Growth Labs in London (London School of Economics), Vienna (Central European University), and Mexico (Monterrey Tec - School of Public Policy).

Collectif québécois pour la prévention de l'itinérance

Quebec Homelessness Prevention Collaborative

The Max Bell School of Public Policy is a partner with the Quebec Homelessness Prevention Collaborative/Collectif québécois pour la prévention de l’itinérence which was founded in 2021 by the Old Brewery Mission and McGill University. The QHPC convenes academic, community and public service organizations in Quebec, along with people with lived experience and expertise and elected officials to forge innovative public policy and legal reform recommendations. The approach is normative, human rights-based and data-driven, and is at the heart of the collaboration of the Max Bell School of Public Policy in addressed the homelessness crisis and rising housing precarity.

Max Bell’s engagement in the QHPC is led by Pearl Eliadis.

Centre for International Peace and Security Studies

Established in 1995, the Centre for International Peace and Security Studies combines the academic strengths in international security studies from McGill University and l'Université de Montréal and was previously co-directed by Jennifer Welsh.

• Panel on UN Peacekeeping – Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future | Event Recap
• Strengthening the Participation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): Obstacles and Opportunities