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Kohn Collaborative for Social Policy
The Kohn Collaborative for Social Policy advances research and policy solutions, and works with policymakers and stakeholders to promote a more inclusive, just society for all. The collaborative consists of four pillars: Kohn Professors, Kohn Scholars, policy impact, and the Kohn Prize.
Kohn Social Policy Conference
On Friday, September 18th, hosted at the Godfrey Hotel in Detroit, the 2026 Kohn Social Policy Conference brought together invited scholars, practitioners, policymakers, civic leaders, community partners, students, and members of the Ford School community to examine emerging social policy challenges and explore practical, evidence-informed solutions that advance equity and improve lives.
Centered on this question, the program explored how cities can respond to interconnected challenges affecting health, literacy, family economic security, and affordable housing. Across four moderated policy discussions and a featured keynote conversation, speakers examined both policy design and the realities of implementation.
Kohn Social Policy Conference
What can a city do to promote human thriving?
Dean Celeste Watkins-Hayes reflects on highlights from the Ford School's inaugural Kohn Social Policy Conference and the role of universities to bridge expertise and experience so that better solutions emerge.
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Pamela Herd: Making it hard-How administrative burdens affect inequality Apr 13, 2026
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Samuel Bagenstos: Disability and the Return of Eugenics and the Poor Law Nov 10, 2025
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Christina Weiland: Smart from the Start Kohn Lecture Apr 9, 2025
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Luke Shaefer: The Injustice of Place Oct 4, 2023
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H. Luke Shaefer: Lessons in using evidence to fight poverty Nov 3, 2021
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Social policy for the public good: Introducing the Kohn Collaborative Nov 2, 2021
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>$22M
A set of gifts totaling more than $22M for the Kohn Collaborative
6
The collaborative funds 6 professorships in social policy
#1
The Ford School ranks #1 in social policy
USNWR
Kohn Professors
The heart of the collaborative: a cohort of preeminent scholars who together will tackle structural inequalities and improve lives—while training the next generation of leaders in social policy.
Kohn Scholars
The Kohn Collaborative currently supports two Kohn Scholars, as part of the Ford School’s partnership to support Rackham Master’s Awards. They are chosen for their outstanding qualifications and promise for future leadership in the field of social policy.
Kohn policy impact
The collaborative will also support seed grants and the dissemination, networking, and advocacy work required to produce lasting policy impact.
Social policy impact
Ford School announces new prize for social policy impact with $1 million gift
With a $1 million gift from Hal and Carol Kohn and the Kohn Charitable Trust, the Ford School will establish the Kohn Collaborative Prize for Social P...
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Kohn biographies
The Kohn Collaborative includes six endowed professorships named for Hermann and Amalie Kohn, Karl and Martha Kohn, Arlene Susan Kohn, Lenore K. and Robert Damrauer, Harold Kohn, and Carol Kakalec Kohn.