About The Ramos Research Institute
Our Vision​
A generation of informed, freedom-oriented civic leaders rebuilding trust and democratic culture.
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CIVICS | DEMOCRACY | EDUCATION
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Our Mission
To conduct and apply research that advances civic learning and democratic liberty, strengthens democratic culture, and supports public policy innovation in education and media literacy.
Our Story​
Founded in August 2023 at Cornell University, the Ramos Research Institute (RRI) is a youth-led, nonpartisan think tank dedicated to strengthening democracy through research, education initiatives, and public engagement. While we began as a small research institute, we have grown into an expansive network of scholars, researchers, interns, and professionals united by a shared commitment to civic learning and democratic liberty.
We conduct and apply research to advance civic learning, support public policy innovation, and promote media literacy across the United States and abroad. By connecting academic research to practical solutions, we strive to inform public discourse while supporting the next generation of civic leaders. We are proud of our ability to collaborate with organizations across sectors and disciplines to develop research and innovative solutions to the world's most pressing problems.
Since our founding, we have launched multiple research and development programs, welcomed thousands of internships applicants, established an international presence, and continue to expand opportunities for students and scholars to contribute to research that has a real-world impact. ​​
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RRI Milestones​​
August 2023 - Ramos Research Institute is founded
January 2024 - Inaugural cohort of research interns
February 2024 - Scholar’s Council launched
May 2024 - Research Associates program established
November 2024 - Officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
May 2025 - Policy in Action Lab (PAL) launched
August 2025 - Largest intern applicant pool with more than 6,700 applications
December 2025 - Gonzalez Civic Fellowship launched
January 2026 - First international residency in Warsaw, Poland with the Community of Democracies (CoD)
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Meet Our Team
Our team of experts brings together diverse backgrounds and expertise to approach complex problems from multiple angles. Our team members have extensive experience in academia, government, non-profits, and the private sector, allowing us to bring a unique perspective to our work.