King Center on Global Development

A colorful collage of photos, together with the center's thematic area icons

Our mission

We empower a multidisciplinary community of scholars to conduct path-breaking research, shape policy and practice, and train and inspire a diverse new generation of global leaders.

Connect with us

A graphic for The Future of Development: Approaches and Partnerships for a New Reality, taking place on May 5, 2026. The event features: Mark Suzman, CEO of the Gates Foundation; Vera Songwe, Chair and Founder of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility; Ambassador Mark Green (retired), Former Administrator of USAID; and Gyude Moore, Former Liberian Minister of Public Works.

Development progress has stalled. Trade barriers are rising, aid flows have plummeted, and private finance remains limited, volatile, and dominated by debt. The King Center is bringing together renowned development finance leaders to share their insights in the second of a two-part event series on the future of aid.

This event is hosted in collaboration with the Hoover Institution’s Emerging Markets Working Group, in partnership with VoxDev.

Learn more about the event and register

Research News

King Center lead initiative research at the United Nations General Assembly #80

Jenna Forsyth, a King Center Affiliated Researcher, speaks into a microphone, with another panelist beside her — Read the story

Our Work

Graduate student programs

Opportunities

The King Center supports Stanford doctoral student research, particularly field-based work in middle- and low-income countries, by offering research funding and fellowships, as well as community events.

Learn more about how to get involved as a PhD student

Undergraduate research assistants speaking with the director of the Makerere Business School's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre

Undergraduate research assistants help expand entrepreneurial opportunities for refugees

Student spotlight

Natalie Milan and Faith Zehfuss received King Center funding to research and help facilitate a 10-week entrepreneurship program for refugees in Uganda.

Q&A with King Center Postdoctoral Fellow Karmini Sharma

Postdoctoral fellow feature

Sharma describes her research, which primarily focuses on the economics of gender, and talks about why she would recommend the King Center's Postdoctoral Fellows Program.

Read about Karmini's experience