Bridging the gap between academia and real-world problems

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is the world’s premier university source for market-oriented ideas.

Mercatus Center Building
Mercatus People

Mercatus Mission

As a university-based research center, the Mercatus Center advances knowledge about how markets work to improve people’s lives.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between academic research and public policy problems by advancing an understanding of the economics of public policy. We do this through education and talent development, research, and outreach initiatives.

What does the Mercatus Center do?

Mercatus scholars conduct research, work with students and early-career professionals to apply a mainline economic framework to societal problems. Mercatus makes research findings available to the media, policymakers and academics to connect academic learning with real-world practice.

Education

The Mercatus Center offers fellowships providing training and support for students studying political economy both at George Mason and universities around the world.

Graduate Students Programs

Research

Mercatus scholars create their own research agendas and apply the mainline economic framework to public policy problems to find the best solutions to improve social outcomes.

Publications and Policy Studies

Initiatives

Through our initiatives, we encourage a lively and interdisciplinary engagement with our research.

Initiatives

Mercatus History

Founded in 1980, the Mercatus Center is located on George Mason University’s Arlington and Fairfax campuses. As part of Virginia’s largest public research university, the Mercatus Center supports students in George Mason University’s world-renowned department of economics. Former students who have benefited from Mercatus support are among the most creative scholars working in the social sciences today.

Mercatus History and Timeline
Researchers

Independence of Research

The Mercatus Center at George Mason University is committed to the highest standards of academic quality and credibility for our research procedures and products. We ensure these standards through rigorous internal review, peer review, and a transparent process for selecting and undertaking research projects.

Join the Future of Economics

Discover your career at Mercatus. Join our mission to make the world a better place. Explore flexible opportunities and a collaborative culture.

Mercatus Jobs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find the answers you’re looking for? Reach out to us at [email protected] or call (703) 993-4930.