Dr. Rita Kirk Selected as Evaluator for DGT Initiative by NSF

We are thrilled to share that Dr. Rita Kirk has been selected to serve as an evaluator for the “Democracy, Governance, and Trust” (DGT) initiative, representing the National Science Foundation for the Trans-Atlantic Platform for Humanities and Social Sciences (T-AP). This groundbreaking initiative aims to unite countries worldwide – including Africa, Europe, and North and South America – to explore various aspects of democracy, governance, and trust in the humanities and social sciences. With her extensive experience and unwavering commitment, Dr. Kirk is the perfect choice to evaluate international collaborations in this field. Her selection is a testament to her outstanding expertise and dedication to studying democracy, governance, and trust.

What is the T-AP Call of DGT?

The Democracy, Governance, and Trust (DGT) call is a platform that fosters interdisciplinary research on democracy, governance, and trust. This initiative invites researchers to submit proposals that aim to enhance conceptualization, tackle global challenges, and provide diverse perspectives on the subject matter. One of the core goals of the DGT call is promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research teams and environments. Additionally, it strives to strengthen democracy and governance in society, benefiting everyone. By leveraging the knowledge and expertise of SSH and related disciplines, the DGT call helps to address various societal challenges.

Dr. Kirk’s Professional Background

As an experienced researcher, journalist, and university professor, Dr. Kirk has expertise in corporate, political, educational, and media environments. She currently serves as the Endowed Director of SMU’s Maguire Ethics Center, where she collaborates with leading business and nonprofit leaders to promote ethics education and public responsibility. Dr. Kirk’s expertise shines through in high-stress situations, making her a sought-after media commentator. She leverages her applied communication research and management consulting background to evaluate consumer, political, and market demands.

Dr. Kirk demonstrates her commitment to lifelong learning by actively participating in various prestigious programs. For instance, she completed the “Women on Boards: Succeeding as a Corporate Director” program at Harvard Business School Executive Education. Her expertise includes multiple areas such as institutional trust, crisis management, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and corporate governance.