Thematic Areas
The goals of ISCE are to increase the quality, quantity and competitiveness of the Virginia Tech research portfolio by supporting innovative, interdisciplinary, and translational research that addresses critical human and societal concerns impacting the lives of people and places.
The Institute leverages university funds to increase sponsored research and scholarship with a focus on issues of importance in the social sciences. ISCE focuses its resources in four thematic areas, each described below, and in support of Virginia Tech's Research Frontiers.
Global Policies & Practices
Global trade and economic integration; security & counter-terrorism; health, science & policy
Health & Human Development
Social/behavioral aspects of development across ages; health of individuals, groups, communities; social determinants of health; disparities; policy
Risk & Resilience
Individual/community responses to social issues, natural disasters, security, technology & communication; social complexity, ethics; risk analysis & policy
Community & Environments
Geographic locations, environments, structures and settings affecting the human condition; policy implementation & evaluation