GCI-Grand Challenge Initiative

The Humanitarian Forensics and Peacebuilding project will improve how human remains are located, identified, and reunified with families after conflict or disaster. The collaboration reflects the university and college’s commitment to advancing health, preparedness, and peace through impactful research.

The Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution is playing a key role in George Mason University’s Grand Challenges Initiative through its collaboration on the Humanitarian Forensics and Peacebuilding Project, one of seven newly funded catalyst research efforts. By linking peacebuilding practice with forensic science, public health, and law, Carter School faculty are helping advance interdisciplinary, real-world solutions that strengthen peace, trust, and engagement in democracy—one of the university’s core Grand Challenge priorities.

As the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI) enters its second year, George Mason University recently announced funding for seven catalyst research projects and the launch of the Grand Challenge Research Exchange—quarterly convenings for all GCI-related research to accelerate solutions to the grand challenge of our time. The Costello College of Business is a participant in the initiative and collaborating in three of the seven new catalyst projects.

As the university’s Grand Challenge Initiative (GCI) enters its second year, George Mason University today announced funding for seven catalyst research projects and the launch of the Grand Challenge Research Exchange—quarterly convenings for all GCI-related research to accelerate solutions to the grand challenge of our time.

A George Mason College of Public Health team will work with law enforcement and domestic violence prevention experts to reduce risks for first responders and victims.

In its first year, George Mason University’s Accelerated College and Employability Skills (ACCESS) Academy is already demonstrating strong indicators of demand, academic rigor, and early student achievement. Interest in the program has grown rapidly. For the 2026-27 admissions cycle, ACCESS received 387 applications from ninth graders, nearly double the 193 applications submitted the previous year.

Colleges and universities face significant demographic, financial, technological, and political changes that affect enrollment, tuition and financial aid, athletics programs, and career outcomes. The institutions that will succeed in the future are the ones today transforming their operational models and establishing robust alliances across sectors. 

Ingrid Guerra-López, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, joins President Gregory Washington to discuss the future of education in a rapidly changing world.

A new paper from George Mason University outlines how health administration programs can better prepare students to support health care workers.

With funding from the National Institute on Aging, George Mason health economist Jeah Jung will evaluate how Medicare Advantage’s new non-medical benefits like food and transportation impact health care use and patient outcomes.