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Aerial photograph of a water treatment facility.

Understanding Public Perceptions of Water Reuse More Clearly

July 07, 2025

A new study from the University of Oklahoma reveals that public attitudes toward municipal wastewater reuse in Oklahoma are more favorable than previously assumed, including in regions with politically conservative populations.

A graph depicting percentages of respondents agreeing or disagreeing that a new Cold War has begun between Russia/China and the U.S.

Americans’ Perspectives on the Evolving Multipolar Nuclear Threat from Russia and China: New Evidence from the NS 2024 Survey

December 02, 2024

This white paper examines Americans' perceptions of the evolving nuclear threats from Russia and China, based on the National Security Survey (NS 2024). The paper highlights how public opinion influences U.S. nuclear policy, especially in light of Russia's nuclear modernization and China's expanding capabilities. It reveals that a significant portion of Americans view both nations as major threats, with China seen as the greater challenge to U.S. global influence. While there is broad support for nuclear deterrence, public concern over escalating arms races and the potential for nuclear conflict, particularly in regional hotspots like Taiwan and Ukraine, is significant. The paper suggests that policymakers must balance the need for robust deterrence with cost considerations, address public fears of nuclear escalation, and engage in transparent dialogue to align policies with public values, ensuring both security and democratic governance.

Chart showing the mean of different groups and their support for fusion energy from low to medium to high..

Fusion Article

April 26, 2024

Research from the IPPRA team of Dr. Gupta, Dr. Jenkins-Smith, Dr. Ripberger, Dr. Silva, Dr. Fox, and Dr. Livingston has recently been published in the journal Fusion Science and Technology. The article delves into the exciting realm of fusion energy and its potential to revolutionize clean energy production. This research focuses on the social challenges that must be addressed to realize fusion energy's full potential. A representative sample of the U.S. public was surveyed to gauge prospects for sustainable public support for fusion.

Latest

Research
September 17, 2025

OU-led, NSF-Funded Collaboration Aims to Transform Fire Weather Warnings

Nationally, individuals facing wildfire threats have no unified system to rely on. A team of researchers, led by Joe Ripberger from the University of Oklahoma, is looking to fill that gap.


Research
September 15, 2025

NSF Grant Funds OU, Community-based Team to Mitigate Weather-Driven Tree Damage

An interdisciplinary team of researchers from across the University of Oklahoma has received a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to transform how communities anticipate and mitigate risks from treefall during extreme weather events.


Campus & Community
May 20, 2025

OU-Led S3OK Project Charts Path to Address Wicked Problems

On Tuesday, May 13, the University of Oklahoma’s Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis hosted the final Academy meeting of the Socially Sustainable Solutions for Water, Carbon, and Infrastructure Resilience in Oklahoma, or S3OK, project. Funded by the National Science Foundation through the EPSCoR program, the event brought together academic researchers and statewide practitioners for a forward-looking capstone event in Oklahoma City.


Campus & Community
May 20, 2025

OU Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships Recognizes 2025 Research and Creative Activity Awards Winners

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships recognized faculty recipients of the awards for excellence in campus-wide research and creative activities, as well as eight recipients of active early career awards, 25 project teams that earned $1 million or more in extramural funding and nine recipients of patents at a ceremony on May 16.


December 03, 2024

Public Opinion and the Iran Nuclear Threat: Lessons from the NS 2024 Survey

This white paper explores how Americans perceive the risks posed by a nuclear-armed Iran and the implications for U.S. policy. It reveals widespread public concern over potential nuclear conflict, regional instability, and terrorism linked to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The survey found significant support for military action, alongside fears of regional proliferation and nuclear terrorism. The paper highlights the critical role of public opinion in shaping U.S. foreign policy strategies, emphasizing the need for diplomacy, enhanced non-proliferation efforts, and robust military readiness to address these challenges while balancing public sentiment and strategic imperatives.