Social science research benefits society in innumerable ways. Social science research goes beyond answering questions of academic interest, shedding light on social, cultural, racial, political, and economic issues with real-world consequences.

UMass Amherst researchers across many schools, colleges, and departments study critical societal topics, often working hand-in-hand with community members and organizations to ensure the relevance of the research questions they investigate. Challenging convention, they strive to understand where we came from, where we’re going, and how to improve quality of life for the people of Massachusetts and beyond. 

Transportation and Regional Planning

Research Driving Transportation Improvements

In close partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the UMass Transportation Center (UMTC) advances transportation mobility and safety through research, training, and workforce development.

Research to Imagine a Better Future for Communities

Faculty and students in UMass Amherst’s Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning are envisioning more beautiful, healthy, livable neighborhoods and regions through community-engaged research.

Moving the Valley Forward

In partnership with the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, UMass Amherst faculty and students are conducting community-engaged research to enhance environmental justice via access to transit.

Architecture

Exploring Architecture from Multiple Perspectives

Pari Riahi conducts interdisciplinary scholarship at the intersection of environmental humanities and the built environment.

Government

Lessons From a Whistleblower

The archive of political activist Daniel Ellsberg, housed at UMass Amherst, offers researchers unparalleled access to some of the most critical episodes and issues facing American society.

Promoting Human Security Around the World

The Human Security Lab at UMass Amherst conducts research in service of protecting vulnerable populations from violence, conflict, human rights abuses, economic inequality, and other threats to human freedom, dignity, and physical safety.

Governing the Empires of the 21st Century

UMass Amherst School of Public Policy’s Alasdair Roberts explores the immense challenges of leading the world's superstates.

Business and Society

Amazon: The Ubiquitous Ultimate Service Brand

In a new book, UMass Amherst media studies scholar Emily West examines how Amazon infiltrated every aspect of life while fading into the background.

Examining 'Invisibility' Among Blue-Collar Workers

UMass Amherst sociology graduate student Brandi Perri used her distinctive background as a former janitor to study the experiences of custodial crew members within a newly corporatized educational system.

A Work Revolution?

UMass Amherst faculty share what has been learned as a result of the natural experiment in remote work prompted by COVID-19.