The Institute invests in multidisciplinary STEM research for social justice. We host research groups on three topics—learning & work, health, and climate change. Each group meets once a month for a seminar, during which people share their research and exchange ideas. New collaborations are often sparked by these meetings. These can lead to collaborative research teams, many which are funded by the institute. Read about the research our current seed grant awardees are conducting.
Our Massachusetts-wide Research-Practitioner Network brings together Researchers, Educators, Business Leaders, and Students (REBLS) to create solutions so that diverse populations succeed in computer science and engineering -- both in their educational pathways and in the STEM workforce.
We also operate and support programs that help STEM students thrive from college to careers:
- We host a professional speaker series for students called "Creating Pathways to Social Good in your STEM Career"
- We organize a Leadership Academy for students traditionally under-represented in tech and engineering, which includes a summer online course and a year-long mentorship program.
- We support the BRiDGE program, which hosts talks by scientists from diverse backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in STEM. Speakers present on their research and its broader impacts. The program is designed and run by graduate students in STEM and promotes their career development.
You can read more about our programs in our annual Impact Report or our biannual E-Newsletter. Previous and current IDS E-Newsletters and short videos on our activities can be found here.
Get engaged
Faculty, students, and staff: Attend a multidisciplinary seminar on one or all of our research themes — learning & work, health, and climate change. Listen, learn, and present your work. Start a new collaboration with researchers and practitioners who share your interests. Apply for funding from the institute to tackle a research problem related to equity or diversity.
Massachusetts Business Leaders, K-12 Outreach Professionals, Researchers, Educators in Tech & Engineering: Join the our research-practitioner network to connect with others who are interested in diversifying the STEM pipeline, recruit and work toward the success of diverse students in your field.
Students: Work with us to invite underrepresented scientists to campus to share their research, professional experiences, and serve as informal mentors; join our REBLS Network to connect with Massachusetts researchers, business leaders, and other students in your field. Apply for the IDS Leadership Academy.
UMass alums and friends: Be a mentor or an invited speaker, join our external advisory board, or make a gift.
Other ideas? Contact Nilanjana Buju Dasgupta, institute director, or Megan West, associate director.