Academic center · Policy · Washington Blvd., Arlington · Est. 1980
Mercatus Center at George Mason University is a university-affiliated research center that aims to bridge academic ideas and real-world problems through market-oriented and classical-liberal economics and policy analysis. Mercatus describes itself as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is led by a faculty director appointed by George Mason University’s provost, while operating independently from George Mason University and from federal, state, and local government financial support.
Its work spans law, regulation, and economics, with explicit emphasis on areas such as technology and innovation, including artificial intelligence policy education and analysis. Over time, Mercatus has also developed talent and training pipelines—graduate through postdoctoral/early-career programs and structured fellowships—and it administers grant programs such as Emergent Ventures, including an AI-focused vertical. In 2024–2026, Mercatus continued to expand its talent/fellowship initiatives (e.g., 1991 Fellowship, Emerging Scholars Program) and reinforced its AI-oriented institutional presence (including an AI Research Assistant for its publications website).
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Mercatus announced a cohort of Resilient Societies grant recipients, describing the program’s selection process and listing projects and research questions (including several AI-related framing questions).
Mercatus Center Mourns the Passing of Colleen MorrettaMercatus shared an obituary announcement for Colleen Morretta, describing her long-running contributions to the organization (including roles involving board secretary/administrative support).
Introducing the Inaugural 1991 Fellowship CohortMercatus introduced the inaugural cohort of the 1991 Fellowship, including project themes and the states/country coverage for fellow work on state-level reform in India.
Announcing a Call for Proposals - Resilient SocietiesMercatus invited proposals for focused analytical projects on institutional adaptation under stress, explicitly including the role of rapidly rising AI alongside geopolitical, fiscal, demographic, and trust pressures.
Announcing The 1991 FellowshipMercatus published an announcement introducing The 1991 Fellowship, positioning it as a program focused on state-level reform in India with an emphasis on practical, implementable policy ideas.
Mercatus Center Recognizes the Long-Time Leadership of Edwin Meese III and Vernon SmithMercatus announced that it recognized Edwin Meese III and Vernon Smith as Board Member Emeritus, describing their board service start dates.