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Global Studies Institute

Research. Innovation. Impact. Worldwide!

Our Mission

The Global Studies Institute's (GSI) mission is to foster academic excellence by serving as a central hub for globally focused research centers, programs, and initiatives, enhancing the University of Oregon's role in global education and research.

Through international partnerships, GSI strives to advance UO’s global impact by coordinating innovative projects, securing funding for international initiatives, and optimizing resources to create sustainable, high-impact programs.

professor jo weaver speaks with an individual experiencing homelessness — *Jo Weaver, associate professor of global studies, speaks with an individual experiencing homelessness in Lane County during her research.*

Our Vision

The Global Studies Institute (GSI) envisions a future where the University of Oregon stands at the forefront of global education and research. Our vision of a global Oregon aspires to create a vigorous academic community that transcends borders, fosters collaborative research, and addresses global challenges.   

We aim to cultivate globally-aware scholars and leaders who contribute to a more interconnected, productive, equitable, and just world. Through our commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary international partnerships, we strive to create more sustainable initiatives and programs that serve many curious generations to come.

Research Initiatives

Birds eye view of water in the shape of a world map surrounded by green trees

Aerial view of the Amazon rain forest and the Amazon river

An infant wearing a pink shirt being examined by a doctor with a stethoscope

Recent News & Upcoming Events

APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscape

The APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscape program is hosted at the University of Oregon. This year, the APRU-SCL 2025 Conference will take place June 17-19 at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC, with site visits to the surrounding areas.

Meet the Author of I Am My Own Guardian

Participants gathered at the Mills International Center for an engaging discussion of I Am My Own Guardian: The Real Story of Saudi Women, a groundbreaking memoir chronicling the extraordinary life of Dr. Aisha Almana, a trailblazer of Saudi feminism and a proud UO alumna. The gathering provided a welcoming space for readers to reflect on the book’s powerful themes. The conversation continued the following week with a special Zoom session featuring the authors, Dr. Aisha Almana and Nicola Sutcliff, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with their insights and experiences in a thought-provoking dialogue.

Purchase I Am My Own Guardian Book

Book Launch of Don’t Shoot the Journalists: Migrating to Stay Alive

The Global Studies Institute and UO UNESCO Crossings Institute hosted an engaging conversation with Don’t Shoot the Journalists: Migrating to Stay Alive editor Professor Peter Laufer, chapter authors Christopher Chavez, and Baktash Siawash. Laufer and Chavez are distinguished faculty members in the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Oregon, while Siawash is an exiled Afghan journalist currently based in Germany. Together, they explored the making of the book and reflected on the challenges and risks journalists face today, with Siawash offering a powerful perspective on continuing journalistic work in exile.

Purchase Don't Shoot the Journalist: Migrating to Stay Alive Book

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Network with Global Ducks

Join the Global Ducks network and connect with members of the University of Oregon community making an impact across Oregon and the world. Stay inspired by the innovative stories and global achievements of our global Ducks.

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