Research & Ideas

Discover Harvard research, scholarship, and ideas shaping the world—from science and technology to policy, education, and the humanities.

A man in a suit waves while smiling, with greenery in the background.

Remembering Jack Reardon

He was Harvard’s quintessential people person.

by Jonathan Shaw

Kermit "Kim" Roosevelt in 1950

Brief life of Harvard CIA agent who helped install the shah of Iran

Brief life of a Harvard conspirator: 1916-2000

by Gwen Kinkead

When poverty is defined as living on $1.25 or less a day, about 40 percent of both Ethiopians and Uzbekistanis are considered poor. But by multidimensional measures that capture living standards, almost 90 percent of Ethiopians live in poverty, while only a small percentage of Uzbekistanis do.

Amartya Sen proposes a measure of poverty that looks beyond income

A multidimensional poverty index, based on the ideas of Amartya Sen, reveals a different map of the world's poor.

The Radcliffe Institute’s “Why Books?” conference

The Radcliffe Institute’s “Why Books?” conference touches on a timely theme.

by Spencer Lee Lenfield

Harvard humanities center endowed

Securing a hub for interdisciplinary discourse

Can an HIV-infected person safely have a child with an uninfected partner?

Can an HIV-infected person safely have a child with an uninfected partner? Harvard scholars highlight a new approach.

Slide show: a reporter's notebook from travels in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya

A reporter's notebook from travels in Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya

Photograph by Ian MacLellan

Harvard scholars and students fight HIV in sub-Saharan Africa

Harvard professors and students take aim at the social and behavioral factors that contribute to HIV.

by Elizabeth Gudrais

Lecturer on medicine Krista Dong directs iTEACH, a set of innovative initiatives to improve HIV care in South Africa. In the background is iTEACH deputy director Zinhle Thabethe.

Bridging traditional healing and modern medicine for HIV care in South Africa

From traditional healing to modern medicine, a multifaceted approach to HIV care in South Africa. With audio

The Beatrice Tierney Health Center, nestled in the mountains of eastern Uganda, serves Bumwalukani and surrounding villages.

In rural Uganda, Harvard students help a theater troupe teach about HIV.

Harvard students helps a theater troupe in Uganda teach about HIV.

At McCord Hospital in Durban, South Africa, the Sinikithemba ("We give hope" in Zulu) program gives HIV patients more than prescriptions and tests. It has also trained many in income-generating activities; this mosaic, created by HIV patients, is one example.

Small changes at a Durban hospital have a major effect on care for HIV patients.

Seemingly small changes at a Durban hospital have major effects on patient care.