Weidenbaum Center
Campus Box 1027
Washington University
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
Phone: (314) 935-5630
Fax: (314) 935-5688 
 

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About the Weidenbaum Center

Description

The Weidenbaum Center, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization at Washington University in St. Louis, combines academic research with public policy analyses.  The Center's unique leadership team is comprised of a leading political scientist, a renowned economist, and a prominent business leader.  The Center was created in 1975 as the Center for the Study of American Business under the direction of Murray Weidenbaum.  The Center was named in honor of Professor Weidenbaum in 2001.  At that time, Professor Steven S. Smith became the new director.


Mission

To serve as a bridge between policymakers and scholars by supporting scholarly research, public affairs programs, and other activities at the intersection of government and business ― addressing some of the most important public policy issues facing America.

Objectives

  • Pursues a vigorous, unbiased program to address major public policy issues via research and reports, major forums, public debates, lecture series, and scholarly conferences.
  • Brings issues to the attention of a larger audience through interaction with business leaders, policymakers, scholars, and the media.
  • Maintains an online multimedia library that is accessible to the general public.
  • Publishes edited volumes with contributions from a variety of scholars on the major issues.
  • Creates new scholarly expertise by providing Ph.D. student fellowships and support for dissertation research.


Current Programs

Forum Programs ― Major conferences, lectures, and debates on economic and political issues.
St. Louis Series ― Conferences, lectures, and debates on public policy issues relating to the St. Louis region.
Major Research Programs ― Research, scholarly conferences, and public affairs events on specific issues.
Media Retreat ― Annual journalism meeting on understanding and coverage of public policy issues.
Public Policy Breakfast Meetings ― Talks on economic and political issues.
Eliot Society Public Policy Luncheons ― Open discussion meeting on current issues (ES members only).
Annual Dinner ― Annual presentation by a national or international  experts on economic or political concern.
Student Sponsorship ― Undergraduate and graduate assistantships providing research and writing experience.
EITM ― NSF-sponsored summer institute on cutting-edge problems in the study of political economy.

Funding

The Center, while an integral part of Washington University, is responsible for its own financial support and relies heavily upon the generous donations of individuals, corporations, and foundations.  For more information, please go to the Center's Support page.