Stanford University · Est. 2010

Research
that restores
peace, security,
and human rights.

19 Field sites
across Latin America
45 Researchers
Faculty · Fellows · Staff
Our mission

Action-oriented research to contain violence.

The Poverty, Violence, and Governance Lab generates scientific knowledge, anchored in state-of-the-art methodology and multidisciplinary work, to restore peace, security, and protect human rights in Latin America and beyond.

Based at Stanford University's Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law, PovGov partners with governments, civil society organizations, and affected communities to generate scientific knowledge for lasting change.

Of continuous field research across Latin America since 2010.
Peer-reviewed publications, white papers and policy briefs.
Countries of field research, from the U.S. and Mexico to Colombia, Brazil and beyond.
Field Presence · Latin America

A region under study,
and under pressure.

PovGov is present throughout Latin America, conducting fieldwork, fostering partnerships and generating state of the art research with real impact.

9 active · 16 projects
    Fig. 01 · PovGov field sites, 2012 – present.
    Active research Completed research
    Research Projects

    Evidence from the field, built to be used.

    16
    Projects
    Criminal Governance · Policing · Migration · Youth · Gender
    Sixteen years of field research across Latin America — from Rio de Janeiro to Oaxaca, Zapopan and beyond.
    Browse all projects →
    Recognition & Awards

    Honors that travel.

    View all awards →
    News & Media Coverage

    In the press.

    View all news →
    16
    News items
    Lab Updates · Press Coverage · Podcasts
    Media coverage, awards, and public events spanning PovGov's research on policing, violence, and governance across Latin America.
    Browse all coverage →
    Directors & Faculty Affiliates

    The researchers behind the work.

    02 Directors
    13 Faculty Fellows
    44
    Team members
    Faculty · Postdoctoral Fellows · Graduate Fellows · Staff · External Collaborators
    A cross-disciplinary team spanning four continents, united by rigorous field research and a commitment to evidence-based policy.
    Meet the full team →
    Partners & Funders

    In good company.

    The lab's research is made possible by funders, institutional sponsors, and the community organizations and NGOs that collaborate with us in the field. Click any logo for details.