22 Congressional testimony on social media disinformation and election outcomes Category: Effective States and Development Led by: Tim Weninger Location: Indonesia Description: Faculty Fellow Tim Weninger, the Frank M. Freimann Associate Professor of Engineering at the University of Notre Dame, studies the power of coordinated social media campaigns to incite violence, sow discord, and threaten the integrity of democratic elections in Indonesia. In September 2023, Weninger testified before Congress about the effects of media disinformation on democracy and governance to educate lawmakers on this pressing issue and shape the U.S. government response. Shaping Governmental Policies and Investments Shaping Global Policies and Investments Analysis supporting inclusive classrooms for students with disabilities Category: Education Led by: T.J. D’Agostino Location: Uzbekistan Partner: USAID Uzbekistan Description: Students with disabilities have lower educational outcomes and are more likely to live in poverty. Evaluating environments and offerings to increase learning outcomes among this at-risk student population produced a model for inclusive classroom reform and informed a $25 million investment by USAID for implementation. Category: Sustainability Led by: Paul Winters, Alejandro Estefan Location: Ecuador Partners: UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Inter-American Development Bank Description: Research into the effectiveness of the SATagro monitoring system to optimize farming practices and determine environmental impacts saw small-scale farmers adopt the system in real time. Their ability to apply SATagro’s satellite imagery to growing practices increased crop yields while decreasing the amount of ineffective—and harmful—nitrogen fertilizer used, fighting food insecurity and promoting sustainability. 20 | Driving Evidence to Impact The Pulte Institute for Global Development Professor Tim Weninger in class on campus at Notre Dame taken by Matt Cashore. Small-scale farmers in Ecuador use satellite imagery to improve growing practices. Research to optimize relief efforts in times of disaster Category: Global Health and Well-being Led by: Paul Perrin Location: Puerto Rico Partner: UMCOR U.S. and Puerto Rico Description: In partnership with the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) in the United States and Puerto Rico, the Pulte Institute evaluated the effectiveness of hurricane relief efforts to improve future aid work and mitigate hurricane impacts. A report, workshop series, and policy brief with key findings and recommendations were produced to strengthen philanthropic efforts to serve vulnerable populations in times of crisis. Driving Evidence to Impact Influencing Private Sector Engagement Shaping Programs of Partners and Practitioners Improved growing practices for palm oil to combat food insecurity Research led by the Pulte Institute team impacts governmental policy and institutional practice worldwide. Here are a few ways our work is making an impact.
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