Breaking Silos, Using Interdisciplinary STEM Research to Solve Real-World Problems

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Our Mission

The Institute of Diversity Sciences (IDS) connects STEM to social justice by breaking down knowledge silos and connecting faculty and students across disciplines to solve real-world problems through research, education, and professional development. Through this approach, IDS attracts and retains more students in STEM—particularly those from underrepresented groups—by engaging them in meaningful, justice-oriented work that fosters a sense of purpose.
 

Every $100 invested by IDS in seed grants given to faculty-student teams at UMass generated $285 in follow-on research funding from external sources between 2018-2023 (285% return).

Our Stories

Since 2019, IDS has brought students and faculty out of their silos to collaborate on interdisciplinary STEM research with real-world impact. Watch our overview video and explore our stories to see these efforts in action.