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Q&A

Iran at a crossroads
Four women walk through Tehran underneath a billboard.

Iran is functioning under an Internet communications blackout, which has strained economic and family ties, says Penn’s Firoozeh Kashani-Sabet.

(Image: Vahid Salemi via AP Images)

Iran at a crossroads

In a Q&A, Penn historian Firoozeh Kashani-Sabet, an expert on Iran and the modern Middle East, speaks about the Iranian opposition movement, current protests, the Islamic Republic’s crackdown, and daily life in the country.
The research landscape is changing. Penn Forward’s Research Strategy co-chairs are ready to adapt
Michael Ostap, left, with David Meaney outdoors in front of a limestone building with autumn trees, wearing suits and ties.

Michael Ostap, left, with David Meaney on College Green. Ostap and Meaney are co-chairs of Penn Forward’s Research Strategy and Financing working group.

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The research landscape is changing. Penn Forward’s Research Strategy co-chairs are ready to adapt

As co-chairs of the Penn Forward Research Strategy and Financing working group, David Meaney, vice provost for research, and Michael Ostap, chief scientific officer of the Perelman School of Medicine, are collaborating to expand Penn’s research impact.

5 min. read

A conversation with Penn Forward’s Global Opportunity and New Markets co-chairs
Megan Ryerson and Zeke Emanuel together next to Perry World House.

Megan Ryerson and Ezekiel Emanuel, co-chairs of the Global Opportunity and New Markets working group for Penn Forward, together at Perry World House. 

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A conversation with Penn Forward’s Global Opportunity and New Markets co-chairs

In a Q&A with Ezekiel Emanuel and Megan Ryerson, co-chairs of the Global Opportunity and New Markets working group for Penn Forward, the duo discuss the charge of their group, where they are in the process, and leaning into global engagement.

5 min. read

Tom Murphy is leading Operational Transformation at Penn. Here’s his approach
Tom Murphy posing on Locust Walk.

Tom Murphy, senior vice president and chief transformation officer, is chair of the Operational Transformation working group for Penn Forward, Penn’s strategic initiative to reshape how the University fulfills its missions of education, research, and service in a rapidly changing world.

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Tom Murphy is leading Operational Transformation at Penn. Here’s his approach

In a Q&A, Tom Murphy, who leads the Operational Transformation working group, one of six Penn Forward teams, discusses his approach to leading change in non-academic areas of Penn.

5 min. read

Why aren’t America’s national roadways working?
Traffic from New Jersey to Philadelphia.

Professor of city and regional planning Erick Guerra recently published a book exploring the economic and societal impacts of American highways. He explains some of the pitfalls associated with an ever-expansive highway system, arguing that spending more on highways might not be the solution to the country’s transportation issues.

(Image: Courtesy of Getty / peeterv)

Why aren’t America’s national roadways working?

Penn urban planner Erick Guerra’s new book, “Overbuilt,” argues that additional spending on building more highways might not be the solution to the country’s transportation issues. In a Q&A, Guerra shares his insights.

4 min. read

What to expect from the next Japanese prime minister
Sanae Takaichi, wearing a blue suit, stands in a crowd of seated Japanese legislators.

Sanae Takaichi (center) was chosen as the new leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party during recent leadership elections.

(Image: Kyodo News via AP Images)

What to expect from the next Japanese prime minister

Penn political scientist Daniel Smith discusses this week’s Japanese prime minister election and the possible selection of a staunch conservative as the new premier.

3 min. read

Impact of research
Idea illustration showing hands reaching towards a lightbulb of ideas overlayed on a cityscape.

Illustration: Lauren Thomas

Impact of research

Senior Vice Provost for Research Dawn Bonnell discusses with Inspiring Impact Magazine why a robust research enterprise is at the core of Penn’s educational mission.

From Penn Inspiring Impact

5 min. read

‘Elusive Cures: Why Neuroscience Hasn’t Solved Brain Disorders—and How We Can Change That’
Cover of Elusive Cures book next to headshot of Nicole Rust.

Tackling brain conditions, says psychology professor Nicole Rust, requires thinking about the brain not as a domino chain but as a complex dynamical system with feedback loops.

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‘Elusive Cures: Why Neuroscience Hasn’t Solved Brain Disorders—and How We Can Change That’

The first book from psychology professor Nicole Rust of the School of Arts & Sciences dives into why research on conditions like Alzheimer’s and depression hasn’t translated more effectively into better treatments.

5 min. read

What is an NPU? A Penn expert explains
A computer chip being placed by a rubber-gloved hand.

Image: Narumon Bowonkitwanchai via Getty Images

What is an NPU? A Penn expert explains

Benjamin C. Lee, a professor of electrical and systems engineering, explains what a neural processing unit (NPU) is and why it matters in the age of artificial intelligence.

5 min. read