Centers, Programs & Initiatives

The International Institute’s 16 centers and programs provide expertise in specific regions of the world and in thematic issues such as international business, security, development, and governance. Many of our centers offer seminars, degree programs, cultural events, and research funding. Visit individual center websites to learn more.

Centers and Programs

African Studies Center

Center for Armenian Studies

Center for Emerging Democracies

The Center for Emerging Democracies promotes scholarship to better understand the conditions and policies that foster the transition from autocratic rule to democratic governance, past and present. Initially focusing on transitions in Europe and Eurasia, it will subsequently expand its scope to other emerging democracies across the globe. Learn more.

Center for Japanese Studies

Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies

The Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS) stimulates and supports regionally focused academic and curricular endeavors. The center is a nexus for faculty members and students from a wide range of disciplines and perspectives who share a common interest in Latin America and the Caribbean. Learn more.

Center for Middle Eastern & North African Studies

Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies

The Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (CREES) is one of the nation's leading institutes for interdisciplinary research and training on Russia, Central and Eastern Europe, and Eurasia. First designated as a Slavic Language and Area Center in 1959, CREES currently awards U.S. Department of Education-supported Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships for this broad world area. Learn more.

Center for South Asian Studies

Center for Southeast Asian Studies

Copernicus Center for Polish Studies

Donia Human Rights Center

The Donia Human Rights Center (DHRC) is a forum for intellectual exchange on issues around human rights among scholars, practitioners, students, and the broader public. We aim to promote deeper understanding of human rights issues in the contemporary world and to equip our constituents with the tools to tackle challenging human rights problems around the world. Learn more.

Global Islamic Studies Center

Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies

The Kenneth G. Lieberthal and Richard H. Rogel Center for Chinese Studies (LRCCS) was founded in 1961 and has been a national leader in Chinese studies for over 50 years. The center provides students, specialists, and the public with expert resources and a deeper understanding of contemporary and historical issues related to China. Learn more.

Nam Center for Korean Studies

The Nam Center for Korean Studies (NCKS) encourages social, political, cultural, and economic understanding of Korea in the U-M community and beyond. Through its student and faculty support and ambitious public programming, the center seeks to increase the depth and breadth of resources devoted to Korean studies. Learn more.

Program in International & Comparative Studies

The Program in International and Comparative Studies (PICS) seeks to be a focal point for the interdisciplinary study of issues that transcend borders. We encourage students and faculty to broaden their horizons while they deepen their knowledge of particular cultures and political, economic, and social contexts. Learn more.

Weiser Center for Europe & Eurasia

Initiatives

In addition to its 16 centers and programs, the International Institute supports a number of initiatives that promote collaborative research, teaching, and scholarly exchange. Each initiative is housed within or affiliated with a specific center, as noted below.

African Heritage and Humanities Initiative (African Studies Center)

This initiative deepens intellectual engagement with African humanities through collaborative research with colleagues across the continent. Learn more.

African Social Research Initiative (African Studies Center)

ASRI promotes excellence in social science research, facilitates new collaborative networks, offers statistical training, and fosters professional development among faculty and students at the University of Michigan and academic and NGO research partners in Africa. Learn more.

Brazil Initiative (Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies)

This university-wide effort promotes research, teaching, and activities about Brazil, and enhances collaborations with Brazilian institutions and colleagues. Learn more.

Digital Islamic Studies Curriculum (Global Islamic Studies Center)

Funded by a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the program provides students at Big Ten universities with a robust curriculum specializing in Islamic Studies. Learn more.

Polish-Jewish Studies (Copernicus Center for Polish Studies)

In 2014, the Copernicus Program in Polish Studies signed an official affiliation with POLIN: Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw, facilitating collaboration on faculty research exchanges and pedagogic activities for University of Michigan students. Learn more.

STEM-Africa (African Studies Center)

Nurtures early career scientists on the continent and advances research collaborations in STEM disciplines between the University of Michigan and partner institutions in Africa to extend scientific knowledge and develop solutions to global challenges. Learn more.

U-M African Presidential Scholars Program (African Studies Center)

The UMAPS Program brings early career faculty from African universities to Ann Arbor for residencies beginning in late August and generally lasting up to six months. Learn more.

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