History

In 1992, the Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program at Brandeis University opened its doors to academic scholars who were on leave from other universities, in retirement, or working independently, conducting their own research and writing.

Subsequently, under the leadership of Dr. Shulamit Reinharz, funds were raised to rehabilitate a run-down building on the edge of campus and designate a portion of it for a Women's Studies Research Center with an innovative scholars program that opened in January 2001. Professor of Sociology, Karen V. Hansen subsequently took over leadership of the WSRC from 2017-21.

The WSRC is currently headed by Director Harleen Singh, who, beside leading the Women's Studies Research Center, is the Senior Associate Provost for Faculty & Global Affairs, and Associate Professor of Literature, South Asian Studies, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.