Thank you to our community who showed up to support, inquire, and listen as our speakers discussed interdisciplinary approaches to teaching, learning and research; the history of public universities; examples of who benefits from and contributes to knowledge production; and more.

Did you miss the event? Click the link for our recording!

Event Description:

We know what universities are, but what does it mean to attach these two modifiers – “public” and “research” – to that term? What does it mean to be the kind of university that is both public and dedicated not only to teaching but also to research – to being a producer and a repository of knowledge?*

On November 13, 2024 the Honors Program held its 10th annual Global Challenges Interdisciplinary Thinking event. Led by Honors student Jaya Field, UW faculty ranging from information science to international human rights to comparative education explored “The Role of Public Research Universities.” 

While defining what “counts” as research and sharing stories of its impact, these faculty led a stimulating conversation about the University’s history, role in social change and innovation, and examples of how students can participate beyond class attendance. Many of us left with new ideas and questions about research: how it affects the world, how pervasive it is at the UW and how vulnerable yet essential even big schools like ours can be in the face of shifting political and economic forces.

About our Speakers (at the time of the event)

Joseph Janes is an associate professor in the Information School at the University of Washington. His teaching and research focus on the evolution, history, impacts, and uses of information resources and other documentary forms. He is also the creator of the podcast, Documents That Changed the World, and a former chair of the UW Faculty Senate.

Megan McCloskey is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Washington School of Law and a graduate student lecturer in Law, Societies, and Justice (LSJ). Her research and advocacy focus on assessing the effectiveness of international human rights law and development policy in recognizing and advancing the rights of women and girls with disabilities.

Ed Taylor is a professor of education at the University of Washington and holds two key leadership positions: vice provost and dean of undergraduate academic affairs. His research and teaching examine international comparative education and the ethical dimensions of learning and social justice in higher education. He convenes challenging, inclusive conversations that shape the institution, including his asynchronous course 2024: Dialogue, Disagreement and Democracy.

Moderator: Jaya Field is a third-year student and former peer educator in the Interdisciplinary Honors Program. She is studying international policy and systems, legal frameworks and advocacy, and human rights. Jaya’s published research explores how European Union member states institutionalize the rights of their queer populations.

What is next?

Want to learn more about the topics discussed and insights gained during this event? Check out this article for student reflections and future opportunities to explore this subject.

Check out our past Global Challenges events here to learn more about our Interdisciplinary Thinking series. And keep an eye out for our 2025 Global Challenges event!

*Excerpted from Honors Program Director and History/CHID Professor Stephanie Smallwood’s opening remarks.