Mark Berg, professor and collegiate scholar in the Department of Sociology and Criminology, will serve as the new director of the University of Iowa’s Public Policy Center (PPC), effective December 1.

Through a variety of initiatives, the PPC supports social science research across colleges and departments. Founded in 1987, the research center reports to the Office of the Vice President for Research.

“I am looking forward to working with Mark to continue the 35-year legacy of the center, which provides important infrastructure for incubating social science research projects and securing competitive funding,” said Kristy Nabhan-Warren, associate vice president for research and professor, V.O. and Elizabeth Kahl Figge Chair in catholic studies.

The part-time directorship appointment at the PPC will enable Berg to maintain his research and role as a professor in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

With a PhD in criminology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and an MS in sociology from Iowa State University, Berg’s current research interests include the social psychology of aggression and the social determinants of health and antisocial behavior across the life-course.

“I am honored to serve in this capacity,” said Berg. “I look forward to working with the OVPR and the campus community as we shape an exciting future for the PPC.” Berg has served as interim director of the PPC since January 2023.

Embedded within PPC operations is a multi-faceted service unit, the Iowa Social Science Research Center, that assists UI social scientists with grant development, pre-award processes, survey data collection, project administration, and much more.