Dr. Lars Hallstrom, director of the University of Lethbridge Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, has spent decades examining the intricate connections between governance, policy and the well-being of communities and ecosystems. With a background in political science and public policy, his research spans vital areas, from local government decision-making to the social determinants of health, water management, and the rise of populism in Alberta politics.
Hallstrom’s career has taken him across Canada and beyond, working with communities and organizations to tackle complex questions of governance and sustainability. “At its core, my research focuses on understanding ‘Who governs? How do they govern? What are the effects of governance?’” Hallstrom explains.
From policy to practice: building capacity for the public good
One hallmark of Hallstrom’s work is his commitment to collaboration. Rather than conducting research for local governments and organizations, he works with them, blending policy science with lived experiences to inform decision-making that benefits the public good.
“I have also spent the last 15 years working ‘with’ rather than ‘for’ local governments and organizations, and draw from my training in the policy sciences, where we need ‘knowledge in, and of, public policy,’” he says.
Since joining the University of Lethbridge in 2020, Hallstrom has led the Prentice Institute in exploring broad research themes that matter to Albertans. Whether it’s studying the impact of rural planning, mental health services, or Alberta’s political landscape, his goal is to produce evidence-based insights that drive meaningful change.
“My work has been focused on trying to understand and inform how different kinds of knowledge and evidence can help us make decisions for the public good, and contribute to the well-being of not just citizens, but also our ecosystems and our planet more broadly,” Hallstrom says.
A legacy of mentorship and inspiration
Hallstrom’s approach to scholarship is deeply rooted in his global upbringing and the guidance of his graduate mentor. Inspired by his advisor’s passion for scholarship and commitment to students, Hallstrom brings that same care to his own work with students at the University of Lethbridge.
“I was fortunate to grow up and study in many parts of the world and was particularly inspired by the person who became my mentor and graduate advisor,” he shares. “He was an avid bibliophile, a prolific writer and a genuinely nice person who cared deeply for both scholarship and literacy, but also for the students under his supervision.”
As a result, students play a vital role in Hallstrom’s work. Over the course of his career, Hallstrom has employed nearly 200 students in roles ranging from data collection and report writing to event coordination. He also collaborates closely with students through the Prentice Institute, which partners with the City of Lethbridge to offer unique Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities.
“I think students can benefit a lot from workplace experiences, and I’m really happy to work with the staff of the Institute, many of whom are students here at ULethbridge,” he says. “Students are more than learners—they’re collaborators, and they play a vital role in our success.”
Watch Dr. Lars Hallstrom's recent PUBlic Professor lecture: