The College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS) advances inquiry and teaching about our shared humanity and experiences, and engages scholars from across the college and university, and with external collaborators to address humanistic and social issues from a variety of perspectives.  The CHSS Research team in the Dean's Office works to showcase and support the research, scholarship and creative works (RSCW) across the college.  We work to provide support and guidance related to externally funded research, chartered research centers, and many college and university funded initiatives.

Our CHSS Pre-Award Research Administrators work with those interested in securing external funding for their research, scholarship and creative works.  Drawing upon best practices in research development and research administration, CHSS Research provides tools and resources to develop competitive applications that convey the importance and timeliness of the proposed work.  We also coordinate with CHSS Post-Award, and with Mason's Office of Sponsored Programs to facilitate and streamline this important avenue of support for our researchers.

 

Meet the CHSS Research Team

Latest News From CHSS Research

John Kotcher named director of Center for Climate Change Communication

John Kotcher named director of Center for Climate Change Communication

Research associate professor John Kotcher had served as the interim director of the Center for Climate Change Communication, a research center chartered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, since June 2025 after the retirement of Ed Maibach, the center's founding director and Distinguished University Professor Emeritus.

FY26 FRDA seed funding

FY26 FRDA seed funding

CHSS Faculty Research Development Awards (FRDA) provide seed funding ($10,000–$15,000) for projects that position faculty to be more competitive when applying for external grant or fellowship funding. The project period is May 1, 2026–August 31, 2027. Complete applications must be submitted no later than 5 p.m. on February 13, using the Submittable (formerly WizeHive) platform.

Thinking about applying for congressionally directed community projects?

Thinking about applying for congressionally directed community projects?

Every year Congress provides funding through the annual Appropriations Bill. Congressional earmarks are provisions in spending bills directing federal funds to specific projects for a particular congressional district, locality, or state. The projects should address a community's need and must include letters of support from the community demonstrating the need, engagement, and support.

Feb26
ACGIS Ramadan Nights

ACGIS Ramadan Nights

Thursday, February 26, 2026 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM EST
Center for the Arts, Lobby

The AbuSulayman Center for Global Islamic Studies in collaboration with the College of Visual and Performing Arts present ACGIS Ramadan Nights, a new series of convenings inspired by the long-standing tradition of evening gatherings, reflection, and cultural exchange during the holy month. Enjoy an evening of community, food and the soulful sounds of Afghan American Band Parwaz. RSVP required by February 20, 2026.

Details
Mar27
2025-26 Ed & Health Hub Speaker Series: New Research in the Sociology of Higher Education

2025-26 Education & Health Research Hub Speaker Series

"New Research in the Sociology of Higher Education"

Center for Social Science Research

Friday, March 27, 2026 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EDT
Online Location, Zoom Link in RSVP Confirmation

The CSSR Education & Health Research Hub aims to use this speaker series to leverage connections, spark multidisciplinary dialogue, and bring funded research opportunities to the university community and our community partners.

Details
Apr10
Washington Area Meeting of Economic Scientists (WAMES) 2026

Washington Area Meeting of Economic Scientists (WAMES) 2026

Friday, April 10, 2026 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM EDT
Fuse at Mason Square, #1311 & 1312

The Interdisciplinary Center for Economic Science (ICES) at George Mason University (GMU) is pleased to host the inaugural Washington Area Meeting of Economic Scientists (WAMES). The meeting will be held on the Arlington campus of George Mason University, in the newly constructed FUSE building. Talks will be held on Friday, April 10th and Saturday, April 11th, 2026. The meeting will include a poster-session for grad students as well as panels on political economy and AI. RSVP is required - RSVP by March 23!

Details

Past Events

Past Event
Feb15
February Author Talk: Helon Habila

February Author Talk: Helon Habila

Sunday, February 15, 2026 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM EST

The Mary Riley Styles Public Library in Falls Church will feature English Professor and writer Helon Habila for their February Book Talk. Habila will share passages from his body of work, which includes his novels, international bestseller Oil on Water and The Chibok Girls: The Boko Haram Kidnappings and Islamist Militancy in Nigeria, poetry, essays, and journalism, and discuss his career as a writer, editor, and professor of creative writing. The event is co-hosted with Bards Alley Bookshop.

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