IU anchors decades of academic leadership in Washington, DC, with permanent hub
Indiana University’s presence in Washington, D.C., spans nearly half a century due to its academic leadership in public policy and international affairs. Now, with the advent of the new Capital Campus, IU not only anchors its history but paves the way for future scholarship and experiential learning.
Multiple schools across the university currently provide opportunities for students to earn course credit while interning with representatives, federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations.
The College of Arts and Sciences sends undergrads across academic disciplines to D.C. through the Internship in Politics, Opportunity, Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship program. The Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Affairs launched the D.C. Global Policy Program for undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. students who are interested in areas like international affairs and global business.
“This building represents a major step forward in our vision for IU as a national and global leader,” said Indiana University President Pamela Whitten. “Students and faculty across disciplines and interest areas will benefit from this important investment, just as the country and the world will benefit from IU’s prominent leadership.”
The new building, located in Dupont Circle, includes dedicated classrooms, conference rooms, event spaces and on-site student housing with residential services. The centrality will ease students’ transit burdens and build community across various cohorts.
IU schools that were unable to host more events, enrich current programs or create new ones due to limited venues now have an option exclusive to them. As a result, the IU Capital Campus is more than just a building; it’s an open door of opportunity for students with a passion for public service.
Learn more about IU’s presence in Washington, D.C.
Learn more about the Executive Director hired to lead IU’s Capital Campus
Learn more about IU’s new Capital Campus
Regional Student Researchers Shape Their Fields of Study and Indiana’s Future
Indiana University’s regional campuses – home to more than 18,000 students – are driving innovation in every corner of the state. At the IU Regionals at the Rotunda event on Feb. 18, lawmakers saw firsthand how 56 student researchers are addressing issues that matter directly to Hoosiers: health care, cybersecurity, environmental resilience and state history.
Advancing Personalized Cancer Treatment
IU Southeast senior Alexis Evans is helping improve outcomes for Hoosiers facing lung cancer, the state’s leading cause of cancer-related death. Her research examines how mutations in the p53 gene influence treatment effectiveness, paving the way for more personalized and effective therapies for Indiana patients.
Strengthening Cybersecurity for Farmers and Hospitals
IU Kokomo junior Jackson McCullough analyzes how cyberattacks threaten drones used in agriculture and health care. By applying game theory, he identified mathematical strategies to detect compromised drones and safety standards – tools that can protect essential services across the state.
Protecting Indiana’s Ecosystems and Agricultural Future
IU East online student Jerrica Miles studies how rural pollinator gardens support bees, butterflies and other insects critical to 70% of the food crops Hoosiers rely on. Her early findings show that even small gardens can strengthen local ecosystems and benefit Indiana agriculture.
IU South Bend senior Milo Moss examined South Bend’s urban soil health as the city works to increase its tree canopy. His research shows that planting more native trees improves soil quality, reduces pollutants, and boots community well-being – a model for cities statewide.
Preserving Hoosier History
IU Northwest sophomore Debi Qualls consolidated historical references documenting Indiana’s significant role in the Underground Railroad. Her work creates an accessible resource for educators and emphasizes the importance of teaching Indiana’s contributions to the fight for freedom.
These student researchers demonstrate how IU’s regional campuses deliver direct value to Indiana. Their work reflects the mission of IU’s regional campuses – to solve problems close to home and fuel the state’s long-term prosperity.
Learn more about the 2026 Regionals at the Rotunda event
State Update
The ninth week of the short session marked significant milestones as Thursday was the final day for House bills to be heard in Senate committees and Senate bills to be heard in House committees. Bills that did not receive a hearing or pass a committee are no longer eligible to move forward. Due to the compressed legislative calendar, next week will be the final week of the short session, greatly reducing the time for conference committees before the legislature adjourns Sine Die.
Read the State Update
Federal Update
Congress is in recess this week. The Federal Update will return on Thursday, February 26.
Read previous Federal Updates
IU in the News
IU Board of Trustees to meet Feb. 20 in Indianapolis
The Indiana University Board of Trustees will meet on Friday, Feb. 20, at the Madam Walker Legacy Center, 617 Indiana Ave. in Indianapolis. A schedule and agenda for the meeting are available on the Board of Trustees website.
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IU Bloomington to mark America’s 250th anniversary with exhibitions, courses and events
Indiana University Bloomington will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence this year with a series of public programs, exhibitions and educational experiences drawing on the campus’s academic expertise and cultural treasures. Throughout the spring semester, IU’s America 250 initiative will include new courses, lectures, performances, exhibitions and community-focused events exploring the Revolutionary War era and the historical, political, philosophical and social forces that shaped the nation’s founding.
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Smithsonian internship inspires pursuit of a Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies
Educational and career goals can often be influenced by real-life experience. For Clarissa Trent, that real-life experience was an internship with the Smithsonian Institution. Currently pursuing her Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Trent traces her current path back to a pivotal summer in Washington, D.C.
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