The Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University today introduced the inaugural Thompson List, which recognizes the most important and innovative research studies on military and veteran families published in the prior year. The Thompson List also serves as a resource for organizations seeking evidence-based guidance in their work with military and veteran families.
The 2025 Thompson List is now available on the MFRI website at go.purdue.edu/the-thompson-list. Each publication features a Translating Research into Practice (TRIP) Report developed by partners at Military REACH at Auburn University, which summarizes the key findings and implications in accessible language for practitioners, policymakers, and families.
The launch coincides with the 10th anniversary of MFRI’s annual research award. To mark this milestone, MFRI is also introducing The Thompson, a comprehensive platform that not only rebrands the award and its accompanying event but also introduces new initiatives, including The Thompson List, and organizes them under one unified umbrella to create new opportunities to elevate research and ensure that evidence-based insights reach practitioners working with military and veteran families. The Thompson consists of The Thompson Award, The Thompson List and The Thompson Forum. Learn more at mfri.purdue.edu/thompson
The Thompson Award
Established in 2015 as the Excellence in Research on Military and Veteran Families Award, The Thompson Award recognizes the best new research on military and veteran families each year. Finalists are selected through a rigorous, multi-stage review process by a panel of leading scholars, and will be announced on Monday, November 10. The winner of the award will be announced at The Thompson Forum.
The Thompson Forum
The Thompson Forum brings together leading researchers, non-profits, policymakers, and business leaders to foster connections and partnerships that advance research and practice. The 2025 Forum will be held Tuesday, December 9, 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. ET at the Association for the United States Army (AUSA) headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Attendance is free and open to all, but registration is required.
About MFRI
Founded in 2000, the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University conducts research on issues that affect military and veteran families and works to shape policies, programs and practices that improve their well-being. MFRI envisions a diverse support community that understands and addresses the most pressing needs of military and veteran families. To achieve this, MFRI collaborates to create meaningful solutions for them. This internationally recognized organization is housed in Purdue University’s College of Health and Human Sciences, in the Department of Human Development and Family Science.