Who we are
Story & Mission
Public Exchange bridges the gap between people doing good work and experts who can take it further—building strong partnerships that help real people, right now.
The big idea
The first network built to help organizations and universities work together to solve problems that matter with solutions people can use.
The United States is home to some of the world’s best research institutions. From black hole imaging to breakthrough medicine, U.S. universities push the limits of what’s possible. Public Exchange turns that academic brainpower into a tool for public good—partnering mission-driven organizations, governments, and more with university researchers to take on urgent issues facing our society.
Conceived by Amber D. Miller, former dean of USC Dornsife College of Arts and Sciences, Public Exchange launched at USC in 2020 and at WashU in 2025, becoming the Public Exchange Network—where solution-focused research meets real-world need.
From keeping families fed during the COVID-19 pandemic to preventing homelessness, we transform research into meaningful results for our partners and the people they serve–creating better policies, systems, and solutions that actually work in people’s lives.
pillars
How we show up
Good work gets better when there’s a clear path, a strong team, and a common goal. Here’s how we make that happen.
Deeper partnerships
We build teams rooted in shared values and real commitment, not just deliverables
Built-in collaboration
We keep researchers, partners, and collaborators connected at every step to leave room for pivots, problem-solving, and new ideas along the way
Real-world payoff
We make sure every project ends with something practical—like a stronger program or a smarter policy—to make a difference people feel
Public outreach
We get the word out where it matters most to make sure our work reaches the right people—when and where they need it
Partners & funders
Fueling our mission
Take a look at the growing list of organizations who make our work possible.
Let’s connect
Want to partner with us, support our work, join the network, or get more information?
