About

The GW Regulatory Studies Center's mission is to improve regulatory policy through research, education and outreach.

The Center is a leading source for applied scholarship in regulatory issues, and a training ground for anyone who wants to understand the effects of regulation and ensure that regulatory policies are designed in the public interest.

Established in 2009, the GW RSC is an academic center of the George Washington University, a private, top-tier university located in the Nation’s capital. It is housed within the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, which is consistently ranked among the nation’s top policy schools, and attracts high-achieving students interested in careers in public policy. In addition, with our location near the White House and Capitol Hill, the GW RSC is a hub for academic institutions around the country, and brings fresh ideas and analysis to policy makers in Washington.

GW values rigorous research and academic freedom; it strives for ideological diversity by fostering open inquiry across its many departments and disciplines. The GW RSC scholars, led by director Roger Nober, and co-directors Joseph Cordes, Christopher Carrigan and Steven Balla publish research in respected, peer-reviewed academic journals, such as Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Risk Analysis, Journal of Benefit-Cost Analysis, Supreme Court Economic Review and Administrative Law Review. Their expertise and achievements are recognized by leading organizations in their fields, including the Administrative Conference of the United States, the National Academy of Public Administration, the Society for Benefit-Cost Analysis, the American Bar Association and the Southern Economics Association.

The GW RSC supports graduate Trachtenberg School students through research opportunities, stipends that allow them to take unpaid internships in government agencies and career guidance. Its well-attended events feature insights on regulatory policy and practice from diverse individuals across the ideological spectrum, including members of Congress; high-ranking officials from each of the last six administrations; international diplomats and academics; and legal, policy and economic scholars.

The GW RSC receives support for its activities from governments, foundations, companies and individuals. It does not accept funding that is conditioned on hiring (or retaining) particular individuals, nor that influences the content or conclusions of its work.

Our Team

The Regulatory Studies Center's team of scholars, graduate assistants and staff is dedicated to fulfilling our mission to improve regulatory policy through research, education and outreach.

Our Community of Scholars

We regularly work with scholars from other institutions here at the George Washington University as well as with external centers and individuals around the world.

Support

Gifts to the GW Regulatory Studies Center support our mission to improve regulatory policy through research, education and outreach.

Fact Sheet (PDF)

Our Research

 

Promotes best practices for regulatory analysis

• Benefit-cost analysis

• Regulatory risk assessment

• Competition analysis

• Public interest comments on proposed regulations

 

Improves regulatory processes and institutions

• Focusing on outcomes

• Reforms to align private and public interests

• Improving retrospective review for better feedback and evaluation

• Enhancing international regulatory cooperation

 

Serves as a source for objective information on regulatory matters

• Regulation Digest newsletter

• Measures of regulation and regulatory effects (Reg Stats)

• Regulatory policy commentaries

• Publications in academic journals and popular media

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