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

A bilingual welcome to a binational academic center.

The Harvard Center Shanghai opens

A new center in Shanghai reflects Harvard’s growing engagement with the People’s Republic.

A wedding photograph of Masauko and Catherine (Ajizinga) Chipembere. Years later, Catherine Chipembere served as deputy minister of health and population in the Malawian government.

Brief life of Malawian nationalist Masauko Chipembere

Brief life of a pioneering African nationalist: 1930-1975

Gutenberg 2.0: What future for libraries?

Harvard’s libraries deal with disruptive change.

by Jonathan Shaw

Jared Diamond and James Robinson apply "natural experiments" to studying histor

Applying "natural experiments" to the study of history

by Elizabeth Gudrais

Chlorine dispensers clustered outside the IPA office

Michael Kremer's Group Aims To Bring Safe Drinking Water to the Developing World

A Harvard professor's project in Kenya strives to avoid common pitfalls of development work.

Harvard Center Shanghai is in the new office tower to the left (top); the 88-story Jin Mao Tower and 101-story World Financial Center rise to the right.

Harvard opens major China office

The University opens a major new facility to encourage research, student involvement, and teaching across the disciplines and professions.

Chair of the Harvard China Fund William C. Kirby (left) and dean of Harvard Business School Jay O. Light address guests at the Harvard Center Shanghai celebratory reception and banquet. Kirby, who is Chang professor of China studies and Spangler Family professor of business administration, served as keynote speaker.

Harvard in China: William Kirby speaks on China in the global economy

Remarks by William C. Kirby

Mohsen Mostafavi, dean of the Graduate School of Design, moderated the “Architecture and Urbanism” panel discussion.

Harvard in China: panelists address urban planning and sustainable growth

A panel discussion with Mohsen Mostafavi, Alex Krieger, Lin Wang, John C. Portman III, Wu Jiang, and Yu Kongjian

Bass professor of government Michael Sandel delivered a luncheon address that examined the way markets “leave their mark” on the rest of society.

Harvard in China: Michael Sandel comments on the moral limits of markets

Remarks by Michael Sandel

Harvard in China: Peter Bol and Tian Xiaofei discuss Chinese culture

A panel discussion with Peter Bol and Tian Xiaofei