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Data + Strategy for Action

The Public Science Collaborative (PSC) is a multidisciplinary team located at Iowa State University. Our goal is to turn rigorous science into strategic, measurable, and sustainable action. We bring together social scientists, data analysts, design thinkers, and community-partners to deliver research-informed, decision-ready solutions for real-world problems.

Our difference:

  • Partner-oriented: You are not just a client; you are a collaborator. We embed ourselves in your context to co-create what works.
  • Rigor meets relevance: Our work is anchored in research methods, yet always designed for application and outcomes and aligned with capacities of our partners.
  • Translational speed: We recognize that decision-makers need actionable tools, now. We bridge the gap between knowledge and practice.
  • Interdisciplinary team: From computational modelling to stakeholder facilitation, we bring diverse expertise under one roof.
  • Local roots, broad reach: Based at Iowa State University in Ames, IA, we work at the rural-urban nexus to combine regional understanding with national and global perspectives.
Recovery Readiness assessment report cover

Recovery Readiness Assessments

The Public Science Collaborative has created Recovery Readiness Assessments for communities across Iowa, including every county, to help identify recovery-rich neighborhoods or areas ready for recovery resource investment.

Recovery Readiness Assessment cover page
Mobile phone version of Iowa Alcohol Insights platform website

Iowa Alcohol Insights Platform

The Public Science Collaborative prepared an interactive dashboard that shows both the on-premises and off-premises licensed alcohol outlet locations, making their density visible, while also showing proximity to schools and alcohol-related car crashes.

Laptop displaying Alcohol Insights Platform
Mobile phone version of Recovery Iowa website

Recovery Iowa Website

Recovery-Iowa.org is an online resource to support Iowans in their recovery journeys. The website connects people with resources to enhance their overall well-being and relationships with the people they love.

Laptop displaying Recovery Iowa website

Why PSC?

We bring a unique blend of university-caliber research and a consulting mindset to help you make informed, action-ready decisions. Our end-to-end capabilities span strategy, design, analytics, tools, and evaluation, ensuring support throughout your entire change journey. As a collaborative partner, we embed with your team, engage your stakeholders, and co-create solutions tailored to your specific context. Whether you're a foundation, government agency, nonprofit, or social enterprise, our focus remains on driving real impact and helping you move seamlessly from insight to implementation.

People put their hands together above a wooden table with data sheets and a laptop on it

Our Vision Is...

A future where communities and institutions collaboratively harness data, people, and design to build better places

Our Mission Is...

We Value...

  • Agility
  • Innovation
  • Partnership
  • Impact