Welcome to the Firearm Injury & Policy Research Program (FIPRP) at the University of Washington! Our mission is to inform equitable programs, practices, and policies that prevent firearm-related harm. To achieve this goal, we conduct and disseminate interdisciplinary research along with our community, institutional, and governmental partners.

FIPRP was formed in 2019 with funding from the Washington State Legislature, building on the three-decade-long history of studying firearm injuries by researchers at the University of Washington. FIPRP is now housed in the Office of the Vice Dean for Research and Graduate Education within the School of Medicine and collaborates with other schools and research programs across the University of Washington and other institutions nationally. Our program supports investigations of the determinants of firearm death and injury at the individual, community, and societal level, evaluates the effectiveness of firearm laws and policies, assesses the consequences of firearm violence, and develops strategies to reduce the toll of firearm-related harm among people of the state and our country.

Rigorous research on firearm-related harm is essential to understanding and finding solutions for this important public health and public safety challenge and improving the health and well-being of our communities. Each year, about 45,000 people die in the United States due to firearm injuries in different manners such as homicide, suicide, and unintentional shootings. Many more individuals sustain nonfatal firearm injuries or are exposed to shootings or other forms of firearm violence and harm. Firearm injuries not only cause physical damage but also lead to psychological harm to individuals, families, and communities. Firearm-related harm affects us all in direct and indirect ways, and disproportionately impacts communities of color. Since our work is guided by values of equity, integrity, and authenticity, we believe that transformative solutions to firearm violence can only be effectively materialized through genuine partnership with those most affected by it.

We truly welcome your interest, ideas, support, and collaboration! Please explore our website and do not hesitate to contact us.

Ali Rowhani-Rahbar