About the Global Research Institute

In our approach, there is no single defining action or “light bulb” moment. Instead, we focus on building teams of diverse thinkers and investing in early-stage initiatives to support a pipeline of applied research. 

We cooperate to innovate---our research initiatives have autonomy in setting research agendas, research design, outputs and goals. But they share an interest in working on contemporary global issues, securing funding, supporting a diverse research enterprise, and teaching through the research process. In this model, the successes of any project or lab benefit all projects and labs through sharing knowledge and resources.

Good ideas can come from anyone. We don't filter by experience, discipline, or seniority. We look for ideas with potential and people with commitment. We trust students with real responsibility and expect them to rise to it.

We take work and community seriously. Rigor and warmth aren't mutually exclusive. When we’re not briefing policymakers or running field experiments, you’ll find us grilling out on the patio at Gates Hall.

Success means letting go. We nurture ideas, help them grow, and celebrate when they find permanent homes beyond GRI. Our influence is measured not by what we keep, but by what flourishes after it leaves.

Don’t admire the problem—solve it. GRI is a community of doers who find joy in pushing through barriers that keep good work from happening.   

The default answer is "why not?” We'd rather try something and learn than protect ourselves from failure. A culture of permission—fueled by trust and creativity—is how new things get built.