About Bass Connections

Bass Connections bridges the classroom and the world beyond the university, giving students from all of Duke’s schools a chance to tackle complex societal problems alongside our superb faculty. We support research teams that draw on perspectives and methods from multiple disciplines, as well as robust engagement with communities, stakeholders and decision-makers.

Named in honor of founding donors Anne T. and Robert M. Bass P’97, the program exemplifies Duke’s commitment to interdisciplinary, collaborative inquiry. The Basses’ $50 million gift sparked a new approach to integrating research, education and civic engagement within the university; by including a $25 million matching challenge, their donation has already inspired more than 60 donors to support this innovative program.

Through Bass Connections, Duke is channeling its unique culture of collaboration, ambitious entrepreneurial spirit and established record of applying classroom learning to pressing global problems, to create a distinctive new model for education.