
Dr. Dr. Lawrence (Lonnie) Berger, Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor of Social Work, was recognized as the 2022 recipient of the Social Policy Researcher Award by the Society for Social Work and Research for his notable contributions to the study of social policy. Dr. Berger, who studies the ways in which social policies, economic resources, and socio-demographic characteristics are associated with child and family wellbeing, is also the Associate Vice Chancellor for Research in the Social Sciences.
Lonnie has received more than $24 million in research funding and published more than 80 articles in highly-regarded peer-reviewed journals with over 6,100 citations to date.
As noted by a colleague in his nomination letter, Lonnie’s “scholarship demonstrates an extraordinary ability to tackle complex social problems with both conceptual and methodological rigor, and his work has influenced the direction of social policy in Wisconsin and the nation.”
Lonnie is recognized nationally for his contributions to the “causes and consequences” of poverty and led the only federally-funded research center, the Institute on Research in Poverty at UW-Madison, from 2014-2019. His work on child welfare has led to policy interventions for those diverted from child welfare programs.
Lonnie has served on 45 dissertation committees and contributes expertise to state and national policy efforts to assist family wellbeing through data analysis, program evaluation, and technical assistance with both state and federal agencies.
A preeminent scholar, Lonnie’s rigorous work is not bound to academic journals, but also engages with interventions impacting people every day. As Emilie Amundson, Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) says, “Lonnie has played an integral role in connecting evidence-based research practices with policy decisions and program development in DCF.”
Congratulations Dr. Lonnie Berger!
Dr. Berger is one of two faculty from the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work who will be recognized at the 2022 Society for Social Work and Research Annual Meeting. Dr. Lauren Bishop is the 2022 recipient of the Deborah K. Padgett Early Career Achievement Award.
Both awards will be presented during an awards ceremony on Saturday, January 15, 2022, 2:00 – 2:30, in Washington D.C.