Michael Donnelly

Michael Donnelly is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto, where he also serves as Director of Professional Master’s Programs. His research focuses on the intersection of public opinion and public policy in North America and Europe, particularly regarding welfare states, immigration policies, and political identities. Prior to joining U of T in 2014, he held positions at the European University Institute and earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, Princeton University
• Preceding roles at the European University Institute

Research Interests:

• Impact of interest groups on immigration attitudes in Canada, the U.S., UK, Germany, and potentially France/Italy
• Linkages between income distribution and policy outputs, including immigration
• Study of LGBTQ+ identity in the U.S. and Canada as an extension of political identity work

His recent work includes an SSHRC-funded project on interest groups' influence on immigration support and a book on regional/ethnic inequalities and welfare state support. He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, such as policy analysis through memos and simulations in teaching.

Advising & Grants:

• SSHRC-funded research on interest groups and immigration
• Oversees professional master’s programs requiring mandatory internships that often lead to career opportunities

Labs/Teams: Integral to the Munk School's academic and programmatic infrastructure, contributing to its global affairs and public policy training initiatives.