Gun violence, adolescent pregnancy, social impacts of disasters such as wildfire, substance abuse, and health inequities – these are but a few of the pressing social challenges addressed by research within the Institute of Behavioral Science. This fund makes it possible for the Institute of Behavioral Science's Director to make strategic investments in research responsive to such challenges and the development of solutions. The fund's flexibility enables the mobilization of activities addressing these and other critical issues, including the social impacts of climate change and many more.
The Institute also prioritizes recruiting and training students to nurture the next generation of impactful social science researchers and practitioners. To ensure maximum impact, the Institute of Behavioral Science is committed to equitable access to opportunities and resources for students and scholars of all backgrounds, ensuring a wide variety of perspectives within the Institute's critical research and training.