School of Public Affiars
SPA faculty, students, and alumni are researching important issues related to the coronavirus.
Updates and Guidance Related to COVID-19
In alignment with the phased reopening of campus, the Office of Research along with the Health and Safety and Workforce Task Forces is providing AU researchers guidance on how they can restart on-campus research in a phased approach. Return to Research instructions is available on the Office Sponsored Programs website.
AU COVID-19 Research
Impact on Latinos
CLALS is conducting analysis on COVID-19's impact on Latin American and Latino communities in the US. View their collection of analyses and projects.
School of International Service
SIS Faculty tackle the public health and economic crises related to COVID-19 in these series of articles and videos.
University Centers
American University is home to over 30 centers and institutes that support collaborative and innovative research. These research organizations aim to further the university's mission and goals.
Recent Awards
Faculty members at AU receive externally sponsored awards from government agencies and foundations to conduct exciting and impactful research. The Office of Research maintains a list of these awards.
Our Services
The Office of Research works with AU’s schools, colleges, and research centers to facilitate the research project lifecycle. The office supervises the Office of Sponsored Programs and Office of Research Integrity.
Areas of Strategic Focus
American University is committed to establishing targeted centers in scholarly areas that bring together thought leaders, policy makers, and industry leaders. As part of the five year strategic plan, AU is committed to establishing two or three university-research centers in areas of strategic focus where there is significant potential for further growth. These areas of focus include health, data analytics, security, and social equity that builds upon a strong foundation across AU's schools, and each presents opportunities for attracting external attention and support.
In addition to building out each area of strategic focus, AU will explore the intersections of these four areas, particularly where the overlap presents opportunities for cutting-edge research. By making particular investments in theses fields, AU will achieve distincition in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.
Research News
New Faculty Publications
Prof. Judith Shapiro discusses the future of the planet when one of the world’s most durable authoritarian governance systems pursues “ecological civilization” in her new book.
Why does documentary storytelling matter for social justice and equity? SOC’s Professor Caty Borum Chattoo released a new book on this topic.
Prof. W. Joseph Campbell presents a sweeping look at the messy and contentious past of US presidential pre-election polls and why they aren’t as reliable as we think in his new book.