All Stories
Bridget Calendo-Spaeth joins the Buffett Institute as senior director of operations and strategic planning
The Buffett Institute welcomes Bridget Calendo-Spaeth as its next senior director of operations and strategic planning.
New Buffett Graduate Student Fellows Program to support PhD students in global studies
The Buffett Institute has launched a fellowship program for Northwestern PhD students pursuing research in global studies.
Lawrence Venuti wins Global Humanities Translation Prize
Lawrence Venuti, prolific and award-winning translation theorist and historian, wins the second annual Global Humanities Translation Prize.
Global Politics and Religion Updates: New research, fellows, and programming
The Global Politics and Religion research group continues to thrive into its third year.
The Scholars in Israel Collaboration Fund: supporting global, interdisciplinary collaboration to promote innovation
The Scholars in Israel Collaboration Fund connects Northwestern scholars with their counterparts from several Israeli universities.
The Buffett Institute announces two more Distinguished Visitors in spring 2018
The Buffett Institute will welcome two more Distinguished Visitors for Spring 2018.
Strobe Talbott comes to Northwestern as Buffett’s first Distinguished Visitor
The Buffett Institute's Distinguished Visitor Program will bring thought leaders in international affairs and development to Northwestern.
Higher education innovator and entrepreneur Fred Swaniker named the 2018 Buffett Award winner
Ghanaian entrepreneur Fred Swaniker has been selected as the 2018 Buffett Award recipient.
Buffett 2017 fall quarter highlights
Images from the IPA Conference, Peter Buffett's visit, and Buffett Visiting Professor in International Studies Pap Ndiaye's talk.
Keyman program hosts conference to explore Turkey’s recent political turn toward authoritarianism
Attendees discussed the recent political climate of Turkey that threaten the country's democracy, rule of law, and academic freedom.
Buffett SIGP student spotlight: Izzy de la Guardia
The Buffett International SIGP award supports undergraduates who want to complete unique, unpaid internships abroad.
ISITA brings African curators and the Herskovits Library together for workshop on African Arabic manuscripts
Participants took part in lectures, hands-on sessions with Arabic and ajami manuscripts from the Herskovits Library of African Studies’ rich collection, and site visits to Chicago area libraries.
Renowned economists launch Buffett’s Global Poverty Research Lab
Along with founding directors Chris Udry and Dean Karlan, the Lab will comprise a growing group of scholars at Northwestern who study development economics.
Recent Northwestern graduates explain how GESI shaped their post-college path
Here are a few examples of recent Northwestern alums whose GESI experience helped shape their post-graduation plans.
Northwestern graduate students travel to 44 countries for dissertation research thanks to grants from the Buffett Institute
The majority of these students received funding from Buffett's graduate student dissertation research awards, which totaled over $180,000 this year.
Where in the world will you find Buffett undergraduates this summer?
Thanks to funding from Buffett, over 80 Northwestern undergraduates will work, study, and conduct research in 26 countries and six continents this summer.
Global Politics & Religion group leaders awarded prestigious grant in religion, journalism, and international affairs
As part of the Global Politics and Religion research group, the project will build strong connections between Medill, Weinberg, and the Buffett Institute.
Leading development economist Dean Karlan to join the Buffett Institute
Karlan's research focuses on economic issues of public policies and poverty.
French historian Pap Ndiaye to join Buffett in fall 2017 as the next Buffett Visiting Professor in International Studies
Ndiaye specializes in the social history of the U.S. with a particular focus on minorities, and is considered a pioneer of French "Black Studies."
Faculty fellow Wendy Pearlman helps explain the Syrian humanitarian crisis through Syrians’ own voices
For the past several years, faculty fellow Wendy Pearlman has documented the stories of displaced Syrians in the Middle East and Europe.
Buffett undergraduate research published in journals dedicated to improving global service learning experiences
Wendy Roldan, Caroline Olsen, and Chris Harlow all studied outcomes and sustainability of international service learning projects.
Global Humanities Initiative announces winners of new translation prize
The $5,000 prize is awarded for a translation-in-progress of a non-Western literary or scholarly text, and honors two winners this year.
Artist, academic Pippa Skotnes joins Buffett as Visiting Professor of International Studies
Pippa Skotnes joins the Buffett Institute community as the Roberta Buffett Visiting Professor of International Studies. Her work explores themes based in South African history, including colonialism and apartheid.
Buffett SIGP spotlight: Timothy Mwiti helps create a coding bootcamp in Nairobi
As part of his internship, Mwiti helped students develop their own apps and network with tech leaders in "Silicon Savannah."
Beth Morrissey recognized for excellence in work with graduate students
Morrissey serves as the main support for the 14 scholars of the Arryman Program. Her nomination for the Ver Steeg Award was a joint effort by the Arryman students.
Affiliates contribute commentary in the wake of executive order on immigration
Our affiliates frequently lend expertise on crucial global issues, and their contributions and commentary surrounding the executive order on immigration are evidence of the breadth of our community.
Message from the Buffett Institute on the executive order on immigration and refugees
The Buffett Institute underscores Northwestern President Schapiro’s statement regarding the January 27 executive order on immigration.
Affiliate Marina Henke investigates: is UN peacekeeping becoming more deadly?
To produce these findings, Henke worked with undergraduate members of Buffett’s War and Society working group.
Keyman Modern Turkish Studies Program hosts interdisciplinary conference on Kurdish politics
November 2-4, 2016, the Keyman Program hosted "Historical and Comparative Perspectives of Kurdish Politics" to discuss an important global issue that often goes ignored by US academics.
An interview with FSD site director and GESI partner Margaret Nassozi Amanyire
Margaret Nassozi Amanyire is the director at FSD’s Jinja, Uganda office. She was the first site director to work with GESI in developing its international development programs for undergraduates.
Q&A with Regina Honu, 2017 Buffett Award Winner
2017 Buffett Award winner Regina Agyare Honu answers a few questions about herself and her work.
Buffett undergraduate affiliates select Regina Agyare Honu as the 2017 Buffett Award winner
Buffett Institute undergraduate affiliates have chosen Regina Honu as their 2017 Buffett Award winner.
Peace through my lens: Davis project winner designs fine arts camp for young girls in Jordan
Each year, the Davis Projects for Peace program awards a $10,000 grant to an undergraduate to design grassroots “projects for peace.”
The GESI homestay experience: Kakamega, Kenya
GESI host families offer the rare opportunity to truly integrate undergraduates into the local culture and build meaningful relationships that will last long past their stay.
Meg McDonald joins Buffett as senior director of operations and strategic planning
Meg brings more than a decade of Northwestern leadership experience to Buffett as it expands its research and activities.
Students participate in community development projects on three continents
In collaboration with local staff, students participating in GESI completed community development projects across the world.
Buffett funds more than 30 undergrads to research and work abroad this summer
Check out where our Buffett International SiGP winners, Buffett supplemental grant winners, and CBR Fellows are living and working this summer.
CHSS Global Partnership sponsors interdisciplinary conference for grad students
Held June 19-12 at Northwestern's Chicago campus, the conference was made possible by the Buffett Institute’s Global Partnership initiative.
Tackling global inequality through research
The Buffett Institute for Global Studies and the Institute for Policy Research (IPR) hosted the Global Inequality Workshop on May 12-13, 2016.
Brian Hanson to join the Chicago Council on Global Affairs after 12 years at the Buffett Institute
Brian leaves Northwestern this July to become the Vice President of Studies at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. We wish him all the best!
CFMS hosts community events in honor of World Refugee Day 2016
The Center for Forced Migration Studies has organized multiple events across Chicago in honor of the day.
A Message to the Buffett Community
A message from the Provost and the Vice President for Research at Northwestern.
Director Bruce Carruthers appointed to three-month fellowship at the Library of Congress
The Maguire Chair is a distinguished senior research position appointed by the Librarian of Congress.
Announcing new programs and global research initiatives at the Buffett Institute
We are pleased to announce the 2016 winners of the Buffett Institute’s “Big Ideas” grants as well as the graduate student organized conference award.
Panama Read: transparency and concealment in global wealth management
The Panama Papers: how global money slips through legal cracks, and how a Buffett research group is working to find solutions.
Buffett Research Group Spotlight: Global Capitalism & Law
Born out of a call for "big ideas" in global research, the Global Capitalism & Law research group investigates how capitalism shapes the law and, likewise, how law shapes capitalism.
Ambassador Karl Eikenberry Update
Ambassador Karl Eikenberry update from Northwestern University Provost Dan Linzer
"Beyond the Seal" reveals the hidden costs of 40 cent bananas
The documentary, which is part video and part interactive website, profiles the lives of banana farmers in Ecuador, whose struggle with poverty and the hazardous health conditions of banana farming inspired Katherine and Leah to make the film.
ISITA celebrates research milestone with publication of Arabic Literature of Africa Volume V
Developed at Northwestern over the last two decades, the five ALA volumes and the foundation upon which a whole new field of study has been built.
GESI wins Ashoka award for innovation in higher education
GESI’s commitment to global partnerships and community-based learning has helped it stand out from other study abroad programs.
Buffett Institute hosts a series of events that explore the climate crisis
From the Paris conference to presidential candidate speeches, climate change is an increasingly crucial part of the conversation about the most pressing issues of our day. This quarter, the Buffett Institute is hosting a series of events that explore the climate crisis from a variety of viewpoints and experiences.
Celebrating our first year as the Buffett Institute
Check out the new programs and opportunities launched at the Buffett Institute over the past year.
Why study abroad with GESI in the fall?
As the deadline to study abroad in the fall approaches, make sure you know why participating in the Global Engagement Studies Institute (GESI) is a great option! Many of you have already signed up for the summer program, but there here is why fall can be a better option for many students.
Fall events at Buffett tackle critical issues surrounding Syrian refugees and refugee resettlement
For the fall quarter, the Buffett Institute hosted a series of events that examined the Syrian refugee crisis and encouraged public dialogue on issues surrounding forced migration and refugee resettlement.
Buffett Research Group Spotlight: Global Politics & Religion
Global Politics and Religion (GPR) brings together innovative thinkers to respond to the challenges of a socially and religiously diverse world.
Community-Based Research Fellowship allows GESI alums to build their own research projects abroad
Learn about undergraduate summer research projects at the Buffett Institute.
Congratulations to affiliates on the ASG Faculty Honor Roll
Every year Northwestern’s Associated Student Government receives nominations from the student body of outstanding professors who go above and beyond their expectations. Congratulations to Buffett-affiliated faculty who made the ASG Faculty Honor Role.
Help us commemorate Bertie's $100 million gift
In January 2015, Northwestern announced Roberta Buffett Elliott’s $100 million gift to the University to create the Buffett Institute for Global Studies. To celebrate a year of continuing success, help us thank Bertie!
Buffett Institute faculty contribute commentary after Paris terror attack
Our faculty affiliates frequently lend commentary and expertise on myriad topics around crucial global issues, and their contributions to the conversations that stemmed from the November 13 attacks in Paris are no different.
Karl W. Eikenberry to join Buffett Institute as executive director in September 2016
According to President Schapiro, Eikenberry "has played a highly visible role on the world stage with his frank and insightful ideas about some of the most critical issues of our day and will play a central role in taking the scope and impact of our global programs to an entirely new level.”
Introducing the Buffett Institute Postdocs
The Buffett postdoc program provides support to top-notch researchers at the very beginning of their careers, who in turn enhance the Northwestern community through participation and collaboration with multiple departments, centers, and groups on campus.
GESI's ongoing partnership with UGER helps promote reproductive health in India
Several teams of GESI students have collaborated with Jatan Sansthan in Udaipur, India, where students helped develop their innovative and globally recognized UGER sanitary pad product.
Khalida Brohi named inaugural Buffett Award winner
The Buffett Institute is thrilled to announce the winner of the inaugural Buffett Institute Award for Emerging Global Leaders.
GESI 2015 Summary: Jatan Sansthan
Jematia Chepyator, Vivien Hastings and Kamila Muhammad worked as interns at Jatan Sansthan, a grassroots NGO that focuses on the empowerment of youth and women.
GESI 2015 Summary: CEDESOL
More than four million women and children die each year from indoor air pollution. This GESI project helped build the beginnings of an education and training program for communities using ecological cookers in Bolivia.
Buffett Institute and SIGP Fund Undergraduate Internships at UN Conference on Refugees
This summer, funding from the Buffett Institute and the Summer Internship Grant Program (SIGP)
CFMS Works in Pursuit of Solutions at the UNHCR Annual Consultations in Geneva
The Center for Forced Migration Studies goes to UNHCR's Annual Consultations with NGOs to discuss refugee rights and protection,
New Director & Fall Programming for Keyman Modern Turkish Studies
The Keyman Program has a new director, new course offerings, lectures, and other exciting events lined up for the 2015-2016 year.
Davis Project Winner Creates Summer of "Musical Peace"
Northwestern's Davis Project for Peace winner Maria Massucco designed a grassroots project that addressed peace in her home state of North Carolina.
Funding opportunities, Buffett Award new to undergrads in fall 2015
In fall 2015, Buffett undergraduates have increased funding opportunities and the chance to vote for an emerging leader in global development and social change to receive the Buffett Award.
Research groups, programs, and partnerships new in fall 2015
As part of the competitive Big Idea and Global Partnership funding initiatives, the Buffett Institute will provide significant funding to launch three interdisciplinary research groups, five working groups, and four new or broadened global partnerships.
Student Photo Contest: "Streets of Turkey"
The Keyman Modern Turkish Studies Program invites submissions to the “Streets of Turkey” photography competition.
Announcing Keynote Speaker Jeffrey Sachs for Global Health Interdisciplinary Symposium
The Buffett Institute is sponsoring an interdisciplinary symposium on global health November 19-20, 2015.
GESI Honored with Excellence in Diversifying International Education (EDIE) Award
The Buffet Institute accepted the EDIE award on behalf of Northwestern during the Third Annual Diversity Abroad Conference.
CFMS Alumni Updates
One of the Buffett Institute's most popular research programs offers exceptional opportunites that continue to guide and enhance the professional careers of Northwestern alumni.
Learning Where the Shoe Pinches Most
The ongoing relationship between ORUDE and GESI has been an exceptional example of the type of social impact that can be achieved through mutual respect and thoughtful collaboration.
Announcing New Programs and Funding at the Buffett Institute
Thanks to a gift from Roberta Buffett Elliott, the Buffett institute is launching several exciting opportunities
Global Development Speaker Series Recap
Speaker Series program.
iGEM Hosts Campus Day for Young Refugee Students
Teaching girls about college and why they should apply.
Fresh insights on old controversies in the Middle East
MENA faculty members present groundbreaking research in their first book, On the Ground.
Protecting refugees where there is no legal safety net
In May, the Center for Forced Migration Studies convened a workshop on protecting the world’s displaced people.
Research Spotlight: Rethinking Religious Freedom
Collaborative research project studies the multiple historical trajectories, concepts, and practices of religious freedom.
Northwestern's Connection to Timbuktu
Northwestern-trained team works to save Timbuktu manuscripts.
New Programs, Scholarships, and Website for GESI 2015!
Global service learning program expands to fall quarter, adds new location in Kenya
GESI Program: Undergraduate struggles and successes with international development
From planting community gardens to decontaminating water, GESI participants share their experience working on community-development around the world.