AREAS OF RESEARCH

Leading-edge research fuels SP2’s passionate pursuit of social justice

Bridging data-informed social policy and evidence-based social work practice, SP2’s research is fueled by leading-edge faculty designing innovative solutions to complex social problems. This important work advances SP2’s passionate pursuit of racial, social, and economic justice.

CHILDREN, WOMEN & FAMILY WELL-BEING

Climate Inequality

DATA-DRIVEN POLICY ANALYSIS & EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE

ECONOMIC SECURITY

HEALTH EQUITY, MENTAL HEALTH & AGING

IDENTITY, IMMIGRATION & RACISM

MASS INCARCERATION, HOMELESSNESS, SUBSTANCE USE

SOCIAL INNOVATION, PHILANTHROPY & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

News

Faculty & Research

01/23

A mosaic of six images shows a book event, a panel discussion, the dean speaking, alumni awardees, an alumni speaker, and students raising their hands

SP2’s Top News of 2024

A look back at 2024 highlights the School’s excellence in education and research, as well as SP2’s deep commitment to addressing human well-being across multiple dimensions.

News

Faculty & Research

01/22

Vertical headshots of Amy Castro, Phyllis Solomon, and Jia Xue appear in a row against a dark blue background.

SP2 researchers receive awards and recognition at SSWR 2025 Annual Conference

Following the 2025 Annual Conference of the Society for Social Work and Research, SP2 is celebrating recipients who were recognized at the annual awards presentation and a faculty member who has reached a significant milestone.

News

Faculty & Research

01/07

Desmond Patton stands beside Locust Walk, arms folded

SP2’s Dr. Desmond Patton to deliver keynote at SSWR conference with 40+ SP2-led sessions

Collaboration as innovation will be the theme of an address by Keynote Speaker Dr. Desmond Upton Patton of Penn’s School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) at the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) 2025 Annual Conference in Seattle, Washington.