Themes

Every day, GW’s scholars are changing the world through the production and dissemination of groundbreaking research, scholarship, and creative work. Within this theme, we will explore how to advance cutting-edge interdisciplinary research that will allow us to address some of the world’s most significant grand challenges. This theme will focus on how we take this mission to the next level, including advancing interdisciplinary research while maintaining disciplinary excellence; leveraging AI to drive new areas of research and application/translation; and building on traditional strengths in the social sciences law, public policy, and international affairs.

Students come to GW because they know our world-class faculty imbue them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s workforce. This theme will explore the skills our students should learn to remain relevant to the demands of an increasingly global, diverse, and changing world, such as qualitative and quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, problem solving, numerical literacy, data fluency, data analytics, the proper use of AI, and distinguishing between information and disinformation/misinformation as well as upskilling or reskilling non-traditional adult learners. 

For over two centuries, the world’s leaders have been educated here at GW. However, we live in a dynamic and evolving world. This theme challenges us to think intentionally about how to best develop citizen leaders and caretakers of democracy who think globally, communicate effectively, and are prepared to thrive in the 21st century.  To develop these leaders, this theme’s focus areas include prioritizing professional development and experiential learning opportunities and emphasizing emotional intelligence and civil discourse (including empathy, tolerance, and respect for differences).

GW is a preeminent global research university situated alongside our nation’s legislators, policymakers, and experts. This theme will examine how we can better leverage our unique proximity to act as a premier convener of critical conversations that focus on the most urgent and important topics of our time. We aim to enhance engagement with public policy, civic participation, government agencies, nonprofits, global organizations, and job opportunities; build innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to learning opportunities; and grow a diverse and global learning community and workforce that understands the value of difference.