The major benefits of Polson Institute supported activities has been the enhancement of linkages between development scholars at Cornell and communities and agencies throughout New York State and beyond.
impact statement issue
Social and economic development processes are complex and strain the ability of lone scholars to achieve significant gains in knowledge. By supporting collaborative efforts the Institute stimulates innovative approaches to important issues. In addition to supporting basic research, the institute has a strong commitment to the translation of findings and positions into policy relevant formats, and to active outreach to local communities and agencies.
impact statement response
The Polson Institute has funded a number of research working groups involving professionals from several Cornell departments and diverse countries. These have addressed issues relevant to population, environment, food and trade systems, and rural development. Nine seed grants have been supported. Both the working groups and seed grants have produced additional external funding from sources such as the National Institutes of Health, Russell Sage Foundation, and the Cornell Institute for the Social Sciences. Collaborations have involved scholars and others from the United Kingdom, Brazil, Philippines, Hungary, and Romania.\n\nDuring the Fall of 2007 the Polson Institute co-sponsored, with the Departments of Development Sociology and City and Regional Planning, three seminars focused on international Migration. The invited speakers were Aristide Zolberg of the New School, Saskia Sassen of Columbia University, and Mae Ngai of Columbia University.\n\nSignificant support has been provided by the Institute to the Rural New York Initiative (RNYI). The RNYI, working closely with Community and Rural Development Institute, has developed mechanisms for connecting local populations and agencies with Cornell scholars and policy analylists.\n\nA series of documentaries, "Worlds of Difference" was produced with Polson Institute support. The documentaries have aired on National Public Radio over the last three years. The documentaries were produced by a national network of professionals, Homelands, interested in the diverse manifestations and impacts of development processes. Major funding for the Homelands effort has come from National Public Radio.
impact statement summary
The Polson Institute for Global Development is an endowed program based in the Department of Development Sociology. The Institute facilitates collaborative research by funding Research Working Groups and research seed grants. It also assists graduate student dissertation research, sponsors seminars, and outreach programs, including documentaries and the Rural New York Initiative, and hosts visiting scholars from throughout the world.
