RESEARCH
Cutting-edge research leads to innovation and impact
Research at SP2 is led by renowned faculty who are highly respected practitioners, educators, and mentors. Together with a worldwide network of global collaborators, they are advancing knowledge that drives social good and social innovation in a range of critical areas such as homelessness, health, philanthropy, and more.
Research Areas
CHILDREN, WOMEN & FAMILY WELL-BEING
A focus on critical reform to the child welfare system, improving the lives of children and women who are victims of abuse, and advocating for policy and practice reform
Committed to addressing climate justice through mitigation, anticipation, adaptation, and community action
Data-Driven Policy Analysis & Evidence-Based Practice
Using administrative data, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis to inform the future of social innovation and social policy
Expertise in income inequality, economic mobility, universal basic income, and the labor market impact of public policies
Health Equity, Mental Health & Aging
Understanding diverse social and environmental factors affecting health and well-being within underserved populations, geriatric patients, individuals with mental illness, and those at elevated risk for disease
Identity, Immigration & Racism
Understanding how personal, cultural, and social factors impact important issues concerning inclusion, economic injustices, and policy within marginalized communities
Mass Incarceration, Homelessness & Substance Use
Applied research, psychosocial services, and person-centered approaches to better understand how to recover and provide service to vulnerable populations
Social Innovation, Philanthropy & Nonprofit Management
Educating individuals on the economics of giving through grantmaking strategies, identifying donors, social entrepreneurship, and the resulting social impact
Research Centers & Projects
Students, faculty, and collaborators connect in SP2’s research centers, special projects, and initiatives to further groundbreaking scholarship.
Events
01/22
![The Politics Of Well Being Identity[16247]](https://sp2.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/The_Politics_of_Well-Being_Identity16247-496x271.jpg)
The Politics of Well-Being: Identity and Well-Being
How do race, gender, sexuality, and other aspects of identity influence well-being? This conversation centers on how identity-based disparities are embedded in social policy, housing, education, and healthcare systems. Our […]
Events
01/27
Admissions Online Information Session for Master’s Programs
Learn more about our Master of Social Work, Master of Science in Social Policy, and Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership degree programs. We will also discuss dual degree options […]
Events
01/28
AI and The Dream: Technology in Service of Humanity
This year’s Hallmark program explores how artificial intelligence intersects with Dr. King’s Dream. 5:30 Reception, 6:00 Program begins. This year’s Hallmark program explores how artificial intelligence — one of the […]
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