Spring 2026 Newsletter

(from left to right) Andrea Grecco, AI Alliance; Frank Hsu, Fordham CISl; Peter Santhanam, IBM; George Hong, Fordham Office of Research, at the Symposium on Responsible AI

Message from the CRO and Associate Provost for Research George Hong

Dear Colleagues,

As we reflect on 2025, it is clear that this was a year marked by uncertainty and challenge. Yet it was also a year that revealed our collective resilience, creativity, and resolve. Together, we not only navigated instability—we transformed it into momentum and achievement.

First, Fordham successfully organized and hosted its inaugural Symposium on Responsible AI in partnership with the AI Alliance, IBM, and NYU in October 2025. With more than 260 registered participants and over 50 distinguished scholars and experts presenting, the symposium powerfully showcased Fordham’s leadership and global visibility in ethical, legal, and social research on artificial intelligence. It was a defining moment for our research community.

Second, Fordham took a leadership role in founding the Global Research Alliance of Jesuit Universities (GRAJU). This initiative culminated in the establishment of an executive committee with seven founding members, including Fordham and Georgetown. Today, more than 20 Jesuit universities across Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the United States have joined this alliance. Looking ahead, Fordham has selected 10 faculty members from five academic units—Business, Education, Law, Social Service, and Arts & Sciences—to present their research and cultivate global partnerships at Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines in March 2026. This is a major step forward in advancing Fordham’s global research presence.

Third, in alignment with Fordham’s Strategic Plan and our commitment to elevating interdisciplinary scholarship, we initiated the Transdisciplinary Research Incubator (TRI). An advisory committee of 15 members from across all schools and the Provost’s Office has been established to guide this ambitious initiative—from approving the RFP and organizing faculty engagement, to reviewing proposals and selecting finalists. The TRI will officially launch in the fall of 2026 and will be a transformative platform for innovative, cross-cutting research at Fordham.

Finally, despite a tough year, our external grant proposal submissions are up by 40% compared to this time last year. Seeing this growth shows that our team is pushing through and staying resilient. More submissions now usually mean more wins later! Many thanks for our PIs and the Office of Sponsored Programs staff team directed by Rebeca Franco.

Taken together, these four selected accomplishments signal a bold and confident future for research at Fordham University.

As we bid farewell to 2025, let us carry forward this spirit of collaboration and purpose in the new year. With gratitude for all you have achieved and confidence in what lies ahead, let us embrace 2026 ready for new challenges, new opportunities, and even greater impact.

With appreciation and anticipation,

George Hong, Ph.D.

Chief Research Officer and Associate Provost for Research