Research & Discovery

 

At Columbian College, scholars and scientists join student researchers to challenge assumptions and

Advance the forefronts of knowledge.

 


Research

Discovery and innovation are a Columbian College tradition—from our century-long research partnership with the Smithsonian Institution to our state-of-the-art Science and Engineering Hall. As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), George Washington University is a distinguished leader in global research. Whether our scholars are observing celestial bodies light years from Earth or examining the roots of diseases like tuberculosis and malaria, Columbian College faculty and students are uncovering age-old mysteries and finding solutions to 21st-century challenges.

14

CCAS research centers
and institutes

$21.6M

annual college research expenditures

490+

permanent full-time faculty members

850+

average annual
faculty media hits


CCAS Research Is Transforming Lives

GW Research Impact over a collage of research images

Every day, researchers at GW's Columbian College take on some of the world’s toughest challenges, delivering real-world impact and insights through their relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deeper understanding of our world. From developing technology that advances early disease detection to building trustworthy AI systems and next-generation computer chips, much of their work is made possible through vital federal investments.

With support from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, NASA, the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, GW advances medical innovations, fuels economic growth and prepares the next generation of leaders.

Discover the Impact of Federally Funded Research at GW


Impact

 

Faculty Research

Columbian College faculty are prolific authors, awarding-winning scholars, innovators and artists. They are recipients of Guggenheims, Pulitzers and NEH fellowships, and are published in top media outlets and journals.

 

Student Research

From labs and classrooms on campus to field sites around the globe, Columbian College students work side-by-side with world-renowned researchers and scholars on a journey of cultural and scientific discovery.

Centers & Institutes

Columbian College is home to top research centers and institutes that explore an array of issues and ideas such as the origins of humankind, the inner workings of the brain and the growth of solar energy.

 

 

 

 

""

"Research has definitely broadened what I know about myself and what I want to do in the future. It's really changed my perspective on my career goals, and I'm very excited to keep going on that path now."

Sarah Schrup
BS '19

 

 

Faculty Research Conversations

Dean Paul Wahlbeck and Professor Timothy Shenk seated on stage in chairs talking in front of a Columbian College of Arts & Sciences screen

The State of Our Democracy

In a video conversation with CCAS Dean Paul Wahlbeck, Assistant Professor of History Timothy Shenk discusses the impact of modern American politics on our democracy.

Dean Paul Wahlbeck seated on a stage across from Kimberly Morgan, with a Columbian College logo behind them

The Politics of Immigration

In a video conversation with Dean Wahlbeck, Professor of Political Science & International Affairs Kimberly Morgan discusses the policies and politics driving the immigration issue.

Watch More Research Conversations


Research Making Headlines

Dean Paul Wahlbeck and Professor Timothy Shenk seated on stage in chairs talking in front of a Columbian College of Arts & Sciences screen

The State of Our Democracy

In a video conversation with CCAS Dean Paul Wahlbeck, Assistant Professor of History Timothy Shenk discusses the impact of modern American politics on our democracy.

Close up of a stone tool sitting in a patch of sandy dirt

Tools of Change: Research Team Uncovers 300,000 Years of Technology Traditions

New research led by Anthropology’s David Braun reveals how early humans crafted stone tools during environmental upheaval.

Dean Paul Wahlbeck seated on a stage across from Kimberly Morgan, with a Columbian College logo behind them

The Politics of Immigration

In a video conversation with Dean Wahlbeck, Professor of Political Science & International Affairs Kimberly Morgan discusses the policies and politics driving the immigration issue.

Lien-Yung (Nyima) Kao

Math’s Kao Wins CAREER Award Honors

Mathematics Professor Lien-Yung (Nyima) Kao was recognized with NSF’s prestigious honor for his work combining ergodic theory and geometry.

Close up of a page in a book with a green highlighter highlighting the word "autism"

From Stigma to Science and Support: Anthropology’s Grinker Authors Autism Narrative

As a researcher, educator and father, Anthropology’s Roy Richard Grinker shares his personal and professional journey through autism’s changing landscape.

Lucia Kustra

DIG-ging Anthropology: Senior Bridges Labs, Leadership

Lucia Kustra studies primate cultures and leads the next generation of anthropologists as president of the DIG pre-professional fraternity.