Institute Fellows are nationally recognized thought leaders and prominent scholars, experienced in matters of importance to TIAA and those we serve. These experts extend our knowledge, skills and reach, and advance our thought leadership. Fellows have conducted more than 100 Institute-sponsored research studies.
Academic Researchers
Conducting and sponsoring rigorous academic research since 1998
With a team of economists and program staff, Fellows and strategic partners, the Institute conducts research and organizes convenings on critical issues related to financial security, higher education and endowments and foundations.
Academic Researchers
Initiatives to advance the academic community
The Institute provides an environment in which academic researchers can exchange ideas and expand their reach to affect public policy. Leaders use the knowledge provided by the Institute to make better-informed decisions.
The TIAA Institute supports original research and thought leadership through its grants program. Leading scholars are encouraged to submit innovative research ideas on financial security, higher education and endowments and foundations. The TIAA Institute, with the Pension Research Council at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, funds high-quality, cutting-edge research on retirement policy and practice.
The Institute’s signature award programs are designed to advance knowledge and recognize leadership excellence. The TIAA Paul A. Samuelson Award For Outstanding Scholarly Writing On Lifelong Financial Security recognizes an outstanding research publication that helps advance Americans’ lifelong financial well-being. The TIAA Institute Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Leadership Excellence in Higher Education recognizes a current higher education leader for commitment to higher education, leadership and contributions to the greater good.
Events
2016 Fellows Symposium – Achieving Better Retirement Outcomes: Solutions for a Modern Workplace
On October 21, 2016, the TIAA Institute and the Wharton School’s Pension Research Council co-hosted a Fellows Symposium focused on retirement security.
Trending Topics
In addition to our focus areas here are some of our latest research topics.
Latest Research Reports
April 2021
The 2021 TIAA Institute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index
COVID-19 has underlined the importance of possessing financial knowledge and skills—and having a financial cushion to weather the unexpected.
March 2021
As colleges and universities search for viable paths to continue operating in the face of COVID-19, higher education employees have been affected in many ways, including financial.
March 2021
Since the onset of COVID-19, 22% of the full-time higher education workforce have become less confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably throughout retirement. At the same time, 9% have become more confident.
March 2021
As the pandemic enters its second year, what’s on the minds of college and university presidents?
March 2021
COVID-19 has exacerbated systemic and institutional barriers to equity, leaving some students struggling to afford college or facing mounting debt burdens.
January 2021
How will COVID-19 affect retirement patterns among senior faculty and how can institutions respond?