Goal 1
Identify solutions for societal challenges contributing to social determinants of health, the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age.
Objectives
- Reduce the impact of poverty, hunger, community violence, and educational barriers through transdisciplinary research and scholarship focused on causes, consequences, and remedies.
- Inform effective programs, practices, and ultimately policies that lead to systems change through effective translation, communication, and application of research results.
- Amplify the impact of strong social networks and initiatives, by developing social capital that advances a peaceful society.
- Design and develop model policies and programs that promote peace and justice as fundamental human rights.
Goal 2
Transform communities with real-world impact by prioritizing community-engaged research that reflects the perspectives and needs of the communities VCU serves, and prioritizing approaches that lead to feasible, measurable, and sustainable solutions.
Objectives
- Address complex societal issues through co-creation of knowledge with community-engaged partners by designing and testing new approaches to identifying, developing, and maintaining connection, belonging, and support across social networks.
- Enhance community collaborations through deliberate development of VCU infrastructure to engage the community with our research mission, training for faculty and staff, community research advisory boards, and increased community-partnered research.
- Produce research results designed to shape policy and programs that support the development of healthy, engaged, and innovative urban communities.
- Develop methods of measuring and reporting on overall societal wellness as defined by resources strengthening positive relationships, individual sense of purpose, and community connection.