Rutgers Institute on Anti-Corruption Studies (RIACS)

The mission of the Rutgers Institute on Anti-Corruption Studies (RIACS) is to conduct research on private and public corruption and devise ways to reduce it. The institute has established a global network of associates, and these renowned researchers and practitioners build on their experience and work collaboratively with Rutgers faculty to help achieve the mission. In addition, RIACS works internationally with agencies, companies, NGOs, and nations seeking to better understand corruption and its prevention and strengthen their economic and governance infrastructure. RIACS trains graduate students to do research on corruption and applies this research to real-world conditions.

The vision of RIACS is to respond to corruption through the exchange of ideas and collaborative work on projects as well as deliver education and technical assistance on counter-corruption practices. The institute works closely with SPAA and a global network of associates among other entities such as the United Nations, World Bank, and Transparency International to implement its vision. In accordance with SPAA's role in establishing resources to promote government transparency, performance measurement, and ethics, RIACS opens up a space of leadership, education, research and collaboration with government, business and the community towards enhancing government transparency and accountability. RIACS associates have the opportunity to share knowledge, develop knowledge collaboratively and contribute best ideas and practices toward countering corruption

What We Offer

  • Provide resources useful for researchers, government officials, and students, who are interested in anti-corruption strategies
  • Publish working papers for RIACS associates
  • Collect cases of public corruption and create quantitative datasets
  • Host seminar series with Rutgers faculty and other institutions
  • Host international conferences
  • Supervise students and teach interdisciplinary courses based on our research and other empirical findings from the discipline

Work Areas
A work program is being developed, and will include some of the following topics:

  • Opportunity structure for corruption
  • Corruption in specific sector (for example, health, energy, environmental services, construction, justice system)
  • Corruption indicators
  • Theory about corruption behavior
  • Strengthening governance structures
  • Methods of combating bribery
  • Preventive measures and mechanisms
  • International co-operation in anti-corruption