The Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact strengthens the university’s research enterprise by building the systems, relationships, and support structures that help bold ideas take shape and gain momentum. Our role goes beyond what a traditional research office provides. We work across colleges, institutes, and regional partners to create an environment where researchers can collaborate easily, pursue ambitious projects, and translate discoveries into real-world impact.
Partnership and Collaboration
Our partnerships run deep—with federal agencies across the National Capital Region, industry leaders in the biohealth and digital innovation corridors, community organizations shaping sustainability efforts, and statewide networks that support entrepreneurship and small‑business growth. These relationships give George Mason researchers access to collaborators, data, facilities, and opportunities otherwise out of reach.
Infrastructure
Our infrastructure is built for action. We coordinate university‑level institutes, support large‑scale proposal development, steward research security, and connect faculty to commercialization pathways through Mason Enterprise. We also help researchers engage with our Grand Challenge Initiative - the university's signature framework that organizes expertise around high‑impact societal challenges.
Strategic Development
Our goal is designed to help George Mason’s faculty, students, and partners pursue work that matters. Our mission is simple: create the conditions where research thrives, collaboration expands, and ideas move from discovery to deployment in ways that benefit the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.
Leadership
Our senior leadership brings the experience and perspective needed to move big ideas forward. We have built national research partnerships, led complex interdisciplinary initiatives, secured major federal awards, and shaped university‑wide strategies that open doors for faculty and students. Our expertise spans biohealth, digital innovation, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and research administration—giving the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Impact a uniquely broad vantage point. Our collective experience helps us anticipate emerging opportunities, strengthen external relationships, and create the conditions where George Mason’s research can thrive.
