The College of Arts and Sciences supports six vibrant research centers and institutes, where our faculty and dedicated researchers lead meaningful inquiry into the complex issues shaping our world. These interdisciplinary centers provide essential hubs for hands-on discovery and collaboration, offering students unique opportunities to contribute to impactful research that brings learning to life.
Berman Center for Jewish Studies
The Philip and Muriel Berman Center for Jewish Studies has been the home of Jewish Studies at Lehigh since 1984. As a research institute and interdisciplinary teaching hub, the Berman Center serves as an academic and community resource that connects the arts, history, international relations, languages, literature, and religious studies. Its renowned events, sponsored international symposia, and robust courses spark engaging conversations about Jewish Studies today.
Center for Global Islamic Studies
For over a decade, the Center for Global Islamic Studies (CGIS) at Lehigh has researched Islam's global, transnational, and cross-cultural reach. The Center's work encourages a nuanced understanding of Muslim communities and cultures across diverse international contexts. Through dedicated scholarship, holistic education, and dynamic events, CGIS is transforming the intellectual and social landscape of Islamic studies.
Gipson Institute for 18th Century Studies
Established through a bequest from its namesake, the Lawrence Henry Gipson Institute for Eighteenth-Century Studies is dedicated to the study of the “long eighteenth century.” Scholars from across disciplines carry on the legacy of the renowned historian and Lehigh professor through research, teaching and graduate mentioning, and the promotion of eighteenth century studies both locally and across the globe.
Humanities Center
The Humanities Center fosters a broad, interdisciplinary community by supporting rigorous and creative inquiry into what it means to be human. Through partnerships and initiatives, the Humanities Center provides various intellectual opportunities including talks, conferences, and research grants for students, faculty, and staff who are engaged in humanistic study across campus and beyond.
Lehigh Oceans
Researchers at the Lehigh Oceans Research Center study the interplay between the ocean system and the life within it. The center’s interdisciplinary research combines oceanographic fieldwork, laboratory measurements and experiments, and scientific computing. Lehigh Oceans partners with a collaborative network of scientists, allowing it to expand into new research domains while educating and mentoring students interested in ocean sciences.
Small Cities Lab
Founded in 2025 with a commitment to working with municipalities, non-profit organizations, allied industries and local residents, the Small Cities Lab tackles the most pressing challenges facing small-to-midsized cities. A beacon of innovative, community-driven solutions, this interdisciplinary lab researches issues like affordable housing, worsening climate conditions, and infrastructure decay.