Interdisciplinary Research Seminars

To spark new interdisciplinary research collaborations, IDS acts as a matchmaker, hosting research seminars organized around pressing social challenges in the real world that can be addressed using STEM research. These thematic research seminars bring together UMass and Five College faculty and students from diverse disciplines to present their work, exchange ideas, give and receive feedback, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

This stimulating exchange of ideas launches new collaborations. Some of these new teams were awarded seed grants from the Institute of Diversity Sciences to pursue pilot projects that can be leveraged in the future to seek larger external research grants on equity.

"The IDS research seminars that I have been a part of have been exciting opportunities to engage with scientists presenting emerging findings in cross-cutting themes. I love how open and lively the dialogue is and how inviting the environment is for learning about ongoing research in the social, engineering, and natural sciences."

- Christian Guzman, Assistant Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering

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Health Equity

Research that investigates the causes and consequences of group differences in health and develops interventions to improve health and reduce disparities.

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Learning & Educational Equity

Research focused on understanding and addressing inequities in learning opportunities and outcomes and designing inclusive educational practices that expand access and success.

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The Role of Technology In (In)Equity

Research examining how emerging technologies can either reinforce or reduce inequities and developing strategies to design and deploy technology for social good.

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Work Equity & the Future of Work

Research exploring how technological, economic, and social changes are reshaping jobs, job quality, and access to work, with a focus on building a more fairly compensated workforce.

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Environmental Justice

Research that examines the human impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on vulnerable communities and develops community-driven strategies for resilience and justice.