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  • World-Renowned Architect
  • A New Agora

The SNF Agora Institute, a joint conception between Johns Hopkins and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, harnesses cutting-edge research to identify, design, and test new mechanisms for strengthening civic engagement and inclusive dialogue worldwide.

The institute draws its namesake from the ancient Athenian agora, a central space in the city that was a place of open conversation and debate for all citizens.

Watch our video to learn more about us.

The SNF Agora Institute at JHU consists of three parts:

Academic Anchor

Composed of faculty and visiting scholars from a diverse array of fields, practices, ideologies, and backgrounds whose work individually and collectively supports healthy democracies around the world.

Agora Lab

Develops and tests strategies and practical reforms to understand and address the deteriorating norms in civic dialogue and democracy.

Agora Conversation

Communication and collaboration with others engaged in complementary work as well as the public will be a hallmark of the institute which will host a variety of events for broad engagement.

News & Announcements

SNF Agora Conference in Athens to Be Held June 26

Talking and Listening Across Divides

Talking (and Listening) Across Divides: What We Can Learn from Research and Experience brings together a diverse group of scholars and practitioners whose work will help shed light on how we might resolve, mediate, or even just consider competing claims while embracing multiple perspectives—essential work for any thriving democracy.