Research, Centers & Initiatives
Wharton’s 20+ research centers and initiatives serve as a hub for exchange and study where faculty, students, and members of the business community address pressing global business challenges. Their work generates courses, academic programs, community outreach, working papers, published research, and partnerships among academics, industry, and government.
Roles & Opportunities
Wharton is home to one of the largest and most published faculties of any business school. Our world-class standing and affiliated professors span 10 academic departments and collaborate through 20+ research centers and initiatives, driving new ideas and real-world impact. Students and scholars at every level can get involved—whether through hands-on research opportunities, staff and pre-doctoral research assistantships, post-doctoral fellowships, or other academic appointments—making Wharton a hub of discovery and innovation.
Resources & Data Support
Wharton and Penn provide a wide range of resources to support faculty and student research. These include specialized support for research computing, assistance with data acquisition and data-use agreements, and access to extensive pre-purchased datasets through WRDS, iWRDS, and library partnerships. Researchers can also take advantage of facilities like the Wharton Behavioral Lab, which offers participant recruitment and experimental support. In addition, Penn’s Office of Research Services and other University partners provide guidance on proposals, compliance, and sponsored projects.
Funding Opportunities
Wharton offers a wide range of funding opportunities to support faculty and PhD research. Through the Wharton Research Common Application, scholars can apply once to be considered for funding across multiple Wharton research centers and initiatives. Additional resources include guidance for securing external gifts and grants, along with Penn-level programs. The Funding Opportunities page highlights unique cross-institutional opportunities, including international collaborations and visiting professorships.
Events & News
Valuations Workshop for Impact Investing (Part 2)
Jon M. Huntsman Hall F85
Meet the WiNSS Board Neuroscience & Networking Lunch
Jon M Huntsman Hall
Philadelphia
Paul M. Mazur Macro Seminar
Steinberg-Dietrich Hall 211
Philadelphia
Cancelled - Accountable Artificial Intelligence Lunch Series
John M. Huntsman Hall 6th Floor
Philadelphia
- 2025 Sept 12: Prof. Barbara Kahn spoke with the NYT about the halo effect, in which people correlate one positive attribute with a suite of others.
- 2025 Sept 11: Dean Erika James discusses AI developments in conversation at the 2025 Forbes Power Women’s Summit.
- 2025 Sept 3: Prof. Arthur van Benthem spoke with Newsweek about how states utilize gas taxes.
- 2025 Aug 26: Harris Family Alt Investments Program Directors Burcu Esmer and Bilge Yilmaz co-authored this Fortune op-ed, arguing that private equity could transform retirement (viewable here).
- 2025 Aug 22: Prof. Pat Harker spoke with CNBC about his predictions for Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at this year’s Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium.
- 2025 Aug 18: Prof. Corinne Low spoke with Bloomberg about her research on women and the workforce (the piece also makes mention of her forthcoming book).
- 2025 Aug 17: Senior Vice Dean Joao Gomes spoke with Fortune about how tariffs will impact the federal debt (also available here).
- 2025 Aug 16: Prof. Wendy De La Rosa appeared on NPR’s Life Kit to discuss managing money.