SSRI Mission

Our mission is to foster novel, interdisciplinary collaborations by investigators who aim to address critical human and social problems at the local, national, and international levels and to translate and disseminate this knowledge into measurable outcomes for human behavior, health, and development. ​

RESEARCH

Within SSRI we support several research units.

RESOURCES

Core resources tailored to the needs of social and behavioral scientists.

Illustration of four interlocking puzzle pieces, each featuring a distinct icon.

FUNDING

Seed grants and faculty fellowships.

AFFILIATES

SSRI Faculty Affiliate Program.

SSRI Strategic Plan 2025 - 2030

Click to download

SSRI Strategic Plan 2026 - 2030

The Social Science Research Institute’s Strategic Plan charts a transformative path forward for the Institute’s research enterprise in the next five years, 2026-2030. It is anchored on three interconnected goals that will continue to position SSRI as a national leader in the social and behavioral sciences.

  • SSRI will continue catalyzing high quality interdisciplinary and impactful research in the social and behavioral sciences.
  • SSRI will enhance the public impact in the Commonwealth and beyond through public engaged research.
  • SSRI will work to streamline and optimize its operational functions.

Download

Activities

  • Central administrative support: HR, IT, Communication, Financial oversight including pre/post award
  • Recruit and retain faculty in collaboration with colleges, focused on interdisciplinary social and behavioral sciences
  • Intramural seed grants and faculty fellows
  • Core research infrastructure tailored to meet the needs of social and behavioral sciences
  • Support/organize thematic interdisciplinary research initiatives and consortia
  • Build cross-campus and cross-institute connections, share information, and serve as the voice of the social and behavioral sciences

Activities

  • Central administrative support: HR, IT, Communication, Financial oversight including pre/post award
  • Recruit and retain faculty in collaboration with colleges, focused on interdisciplinary social and behavioral sciences
  • Intramural seed grants and faculty fellows
  • Core research infrastructure tailored to meet the needs of social and behavioral sciences
  • Support/organize thematic interdisciplinary research initiatives and consortia
  • Build cross-campus and cross-institute connections, share information, and serve as the voice of the social and behavioral sciences

Diversity Statement

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Learn More

Diversity Statement

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

Learn More

Org Chart

SSRI Org Chart
Back to top