Celebrating 30 Years of the Cornell Policy Review

April 28, 2026

MPA Director Matt Hall, Henry Deng, Maddie Miele, Mouda Al Zaydan, and Stephen Wang — Professor Matt Hall, MPA Director, with Henry Deng MPA ’26, CPR Public Relations Editor; Maddie Miele MPA ’26, Editor-in-Chief; Mouda Al Zaydan MPA ’26, Managing Editor; and Stephen Wang MPA ’26, Senior Editor, at the Cornell Policy Review’s annual Research Symposium.

For three decades, the Cornell Policy Review (CPR) has stood at the center of policy discourse at Cornell—connecting ideas, people, and practice. As the official policy journal of the Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, CPR has grown from a student publication into a dynamic platform for policy innovation, elevating voices across disciplines and perspectives.

But CPR’s story is not just about publication—it’s about community.

Since its founding in the spring of 1996 as The Current, later evolving into The Review and ultimately the Cornell Policy Review we know today, the journal has reflected the changing landscape of public policy itself. What began as a print publication is now a fully online journal powered by a dedicated team of Brooks students serving as editors, contributors, and associates. Together, they produce analysis spanning economic, social, domestic, and international policy—always with a focus on advancing thoughtful, actionable ideas.

At the heart of CPR is its role as a bridge. The Brooks School is more than a home for public policy and public administration programs—it is a hub for critical inquiry, debate, and diverse perspectives. CPR extends that mission by transforming student insights into broader policy conversations, ensuring that innovative thinking does not remain confined to the classroom.

This year, CPR celebrates its 30th anniversary—a milestone that reflects both its longevity and its continued relevance in a rapidly shifting world. The anniversary theme, “everchanging, everpresent, everlasting,” captures the essence of CPR’s mission. “Everchanging” speaks to its commitment to innovation in response to new challenges. “Everpresent” reflects its engagement with current policy debates. And “everlasting” underscores its dedication to sustainable, long-term solutions.

As policy challenges evolve, so too does CPR. Each year, the journal publishes special editions that highlight pressing issues while showcasing the depth of engagement within the Brooks community. Among them, the annual Energy Edition—produced in collaboration with Cornell Energy Connection and the Cornell Energy Club—offers focused analysis on energy policy and provides contributors the opportunity to participate in the Cornell Energy Connection Conference in New York City.

Beyond the page, CPR fosters dialogue through events that bring ideas to life. Its annual Research Symposium serves as a cornerstone of this effort, featuring panels with policy professionals, presentations by contributors, and student research showcased through poster sessions. These gatherings not only highlight student work but also connect emerging policy thinkers with practitioners in the field.

CPR has also expanded into new formats to broaden its impact. Its podcast, rebranded in 2025 as Brooks Meets World, offers in-depth conversations with policy leaders from around the globe. Since its launch in 2017, the podcast has featured a wide range of voices—from academic pioneers to elected officials and former heads of state—providing listeners with insight into the real-world complexities of policymaking. With over 50 episodes, it reflects CPR’s commitment to making policy discussions accessible, engaging, and globally relevant.

As CPR looks toward the future, it does so with a deep appreciation for its past. The journal’s success is built on the dedication of its editorial boards, writers, and contributors over the years—individuals who have shaped its voice and expanded its reach. Their work has ensured that CPR remains not just a publication, but a platform for meaningful engagement with the issues that define our time.

Thirty years on, the Cornell Policy Review continues to advance policy innovation, elevate Cornell voices, and foster dialogue across industries. And as it enters its next chapter, CPR remains what it has always been: a space where ideas evolve, conversations begin, and the future of policy takes shape.