Columbia World Projects (CWP) is a university-wide initiative established in 2017 to bridge scholarly knowledge and real-world action. With the goal of achieving the greatest possible impact on pressing challenges of our time, CWP mobilizes Columbia University's scholars, researchers, practitioners, and students to identify and implement interdisciplinary solutions to complex societal challenges in partnership with targeted change agents, such as policymakers, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and corporations.
The information shared here and in the below report is for historical purposes and captures the impact achieved during the first four years (2017-2021) of projects, research, programs and partnerships convened by CWP.
I have dedicated my career to bringing the fruits of research to tackling major health challenges worldwide and I am humbled by the opportunity to oversee an initiative that brings together the university’s full range of expertise. The critical role that Columbia has played in the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates how necessary it is for this university and institutions like it to mobilize to confront the great challenges of our time.
Where We Work
By the Numbers
The Fourth Purpose
Columbia World Projects draws on knowledge and resources from across our departments, schools and campuses in ambitious pursuit of what I call the Fourth Purpose of universities—advancing human welfare by merging our distinctive intellectual capacities with groups and organizations beyond the academy to bring about meaningful change.
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View the Report
A report on Columbia World Projects' global work to date is now available.