Advancing Knowledge and Inquiry
As research extends into global domains in the pursuit of wisdom, truth, and progress, Notre Dame Global (NDG) offers support for those interested in teaching, research, or service learning opportunities abroad.
Through a network of 12 global locations, strategic partnerships, and logistical knowledge, NDG assists faculty and students with academic events; facilitates communication with libraries, archives, and special collections; and provides funding through a number of grants for faculty-led initiatives.
Global Research Experience allowed student to see Africa—and economics— through a different lens
It’s one thing to study how other countries run their economy. It’s another thing to be there and experience it yourself. When Ryan Hutt ’27 arrived in Nairobi for his summer in the Global Research Experience program, he wasn’t sure what to expect. But rather than project his assumptions onto it, he chose to wait and see what Nairobi held for him. He wasn’t disappointed.
“I would definitely say that the whole experience challenged my perspectives about economics and issues in Kenya,” Ryan says. “You read about something and think through a potential fix to it. But when you're actually boots on the ground, things are a lot different than what you think or read about.”
In his placement at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), he got a firsthand look at public policy in Kenya. In addition to carrying out research, Ryan was able to learn how organizations like IEA communicate their findings. Rather than wait years to finalize and publish a study that doesn’t always resonate with a general audience, they work to turn around timely, relevant information and get it in the hands of civil society lawmakers and the general public as soon as possible.
Rome Kabbalah Symposium offers rare access to the Kabbalistic Manuscripts at the Vatican Library
In May 2025, scholars from Europe, Israel, and the United States gathered in Rome for the Rome Kabbalah Symposium organized by the University of Notre Dame, the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (BAV), and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The symposium provided a unique opportunity to study some of the most significant kabbalistic manuscripts in existence within the setting of the Vatican Library itself. The collaboration highlights the enduring legacy of kabbalah—a term meaning ‘tradition’ or ‘transmission’ that is sometimes synonymous with ‘Jewish mysticism’—within Italy and its intricate historical interactions with Christian theology.
International symposium in Hong Kong offers insights into the early Chinese empire
Over the past 30 years, the discovery of numerous archaeologically excavated manuscripts has significantly advanced scholars’ understanding of the early Chinese empires, the fountainhead of Chinese civilization. This conference convened approximately ten scholars trained in the West and ten scholars trained in China to discuss these advancements.
The exchange of ideas and methodologies in historical studies that this conference brought forth helped to build an important bridge between East and West…the event enhanced Notre Dame's international reputation and engagement, furthering the University’s aspiration to become a leading global, multicultural, and multilingual institution.
Notre Dame Jerusalem gathers experts to discuss the role of language in conflict zones
"In examining the role of language in historical narratives, collective memory, and trauma, the group identified how words have the power to both build walls and bridges between communities."
As a continuation of their partnership with the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Notre Dame Jerusalem convened a workshop in collaboration with the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, the Nanovic Institute for European Studies, and the Tantur Ecumenical Institute. The workshop brought together scholars from the fields of social ethics, memory studies, Middle East history, theology, and politics.
NDG Grants encourage faculty research and collaboration
Notre Dame Global encourages and supports international faculty initiatives through grants, partnerships in hosting conferences and events, and research support. The Asia Guest Scholar/Artist Partnership Program and the Mexico Faculty Grant Program mentioned in the stories below represent just a few of the funding opportunities available to Notre Dame faculty looking to pursue global collaborations.
- Celebrating the 800th Anniversary of Thomas Aquinas: Notre Dame–China Medieval Philosophy Project Continues to Evolve
- Partnership program helps fund innovative collaboration between scientist and comic-book artist
- Crossing borders with NDG grants: Engineering professor advances research through collaboration with Mexico
A providential calling
Flora Gicquel’s work over the past nearly nine months can be described as a labor of love: the opportunity to combine her professional interest in peacebuilding with her personal values as a Catholic. Her research fellowship at Caritas Internationalis in Rome runs through August and is sponsored by Notre Dame Rome, the Catholic Peacebuilding Network, and the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, part of the Keough School of Global Affairs. She is the fourth Preparing the Future Research Fellow at the Vatican, made possible by the generous support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the GHR Foundation through FADICA-Catholic Philanthropy Network.
