Summer Doctoral Institute

For research and study on Institutions, Inclusive Globalization and U.S. Competitiveness

June 8 – July 31, 2020

Each summer, up to ten doctoral students are selected to participate in the prestigious GW-CIBER Summer Doctoral Institute (SDI) for research and study on the theme of Institutions, Inclusive Globalization and U.S. Competitiveness. The students spend their summer conducting research in the nation’s capital, home to many of the world’s most influential institutions. This cross-disciplinary program facilitates research related to the above theme from the perspective of a broad range of social sciences, but relevant to the discipline of International Business.

Scholars selected for the Summer Doctoral Institute:

  • Work with a GW faculty mentor from their chosen field
  • Form a community of scholars with intersecting interests
  • Gain access to resources found only in Washington, D.C.
  • Participate in research seminars, brown bag lunches, and workshops
  • Submit their work to be published in a top journal in their field

To learn more about the program timeline and how to participate, visit the application page.

Faculty Mentorship

The heart of the Summer Doctoral Institute program is the mentoring relationship between the doctoral scholars and GW faculty members. By agreeing to participate in the SDI, Faculty Mentors commit themselves to being on campus during the two summer months when the students are at GW, and to be available for face-to-face interaction. Please note that any GW faculty member in any field may participate, so feel free to explore the faculty web pages of various GW schools and departments. Additionally, the SDI Alumni Roster contains information about past projects and faculty members who have served as mentors.

To learn more about how to participate in the program, visit the application page.

Community of Scholars

Build an interdisciplinary network of like-minded scholars from across the country! This is your opportunity to join a community of mutual learning that will last not just the length of the program, but for the length of your career. You and your peers will build bonds as you interact in a variety of scholarly activities while also taking time to explore all that the city has to offer.

“As a Communications Ph.D., the GW-CIBER program offered an opportunity to think about the technology and communications industries in an international business context. The multidisciplinary nature of the program enriched the way I approach my work and engage new literatures. Given that business is always changing and adapting to new regulatory, political, cultural, technological and financial realities, the GW-CIBER program is quick on its toes to engage unique, new viewpoints while continuously enriching the international business literature. I also really enjoyed the camaraderie of other fellows and staff!"

-SDI 2018 Participant

Washington, D.C. Resources

The SDI scholars live and work in the heart of it all: just blocks from the White House and Capitol Hill, across the street from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and near a wide range of embassies, non-governmental organizations, and multilateral institutions. In addition, Washington, D.C. offers all the amenities and features that one would expect of an international city.

To learn more about living on the GW campus and in the D.C. area, visit our location page.

“I had a great opportunity to explore real politics in D.C., access valuable data, and receive productive feedback and guidance from outstanding people in and out of GWU."

-SDI 2017 Participant

Other Program Components

Beyond engaging in a research project with a GW faculty member, SDI students can also take part in a variety of learning opportunities throughout the length of the program.

  • Doctoral Seminar
    Doctoral scholars participate in seminars that focus on cutting edge research in the area of institutions, inclusive globalization and U.S. competitiveness. These meetings also include student/mentor research presentations at the beginning and end of the program.
  • Research Feedback
    SDI students participate in an informal feedback session, which provides an opportunity for peer review and brainstorming.

“I truly appreciate GW-CIBER hosting me during the 2016 SDI program. It provided a great opportunity to develop my research idea and work on my paper with insights and feedback from faculty members of the GWU School of Business as well as fellow SDI members. I particularly benefited from the daily interaction with other SDI members, which helped broaden my academic horizon into other fields and facilitate further collaborations among us. Lastly, the location of GWU in the heart of the nation’s capital connected me with the world’s greatest minds in various influential institutions in D.C. and nurtured my world views and ideas. Such a short but fruitful time at SDI has been an unforgettable moment in my career."

-2016 SDI Participant

Getting Published

Part of the Summer Doctoral Institute experience involves preparation of the research paper for the publishing process. Through the student-mentor partnership, the SDI participants have the opportunity to become a co-author on an article that will be submitted to a high-quality, peer-reviewed outlet.

Funding and Housing

All SDI participants will receive free housing in apartments on campus. They will also receive a $2,000 living allowance to defray travel and other living expenses.