Jonathan Gifford
Associate Dean for Research
George Mason University's School of Public Policy (SPP) offers both an outstanding education as well as several competitive leadership opportunities, such as those offered through SPP's research centers. Many doctoral students, and a select few master's students are given the chance to collaborate with faculty and contribute to research by participating in grant-funded projects and presentations offered through the centers.
Each center is headed by a distinguished SPP faculty member, who channels the vast resources of the school, and often millions of dollars in grants, to direct a wide range of projects. From training of startup entrepreneurs provided by the Mason Enterprise Center to e-commerce development in more than 30 countries by the International Center for Applied Studies in Information Technology, the School tackles a range of real-world challenges.
Centers work on both sponsored and independent research projects, and with individuals and companies on many levels: locally, regionally, internationally and globally. Some examples include:
Locally/Regionally - The Center for Regional Analysis is the hub for fiscal, economic and demographic studies specific to the Washington, D.C. area.
Internationally/Globally - the Center for Global Policy develops and maintains several cross-national data projects and resources, and the Center for Science and Technology Policy focuses on the use of technology in addressing global challenges.
The research centers embody SPP's commitment to innovation. The Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center is the first center in the United States devoted to understanding the links among terrorism, transnational crime and corruption. The Center for Transportation Policy, Operations and Logistics focuses on finding multi-faceted solutions to transportation challenges, relying on the segments of engineering and management, among others.
Further, the centers build on SPP's focus of improving lives, such as the work conducted by the Center for the Study of International Medical Policies and Practices. Research here focuses on building bridges between doctors, nurses and non-medical professionals in all levels of government to develop effective public health policies.
I invite you to explore the many ways we are working toward positive change through the work of our diverse research centers, and encourage you to review our most recent contributions to the field of public policy.