Thematic Areas
Every major research challenge has a human dimension.
The Institute for Society, Culture, and Environment advances research on how people, cultures, and institutions shape the challenges facing society. Our investments connect social science and humanities expertise with researchers across Virginia Tech so that teams can make new discoveries, secure external funding, and inform policy and practice.
We focus our investments on four areas aligned with Virginia Tech’s Research Frontiers.
Healthspan and Human Development
How social, behavioral, biological, and environmental factors shape health and development from childhood through older adulthood.
Risk and Resilience
How individuals, institutions, and communities anticipate, respond to, and recover from social, environmental, and technological disruptions.
Communities and Environments
How social relationships and natural and built environments shape everyday life, communities, and quality of life.
Policies and Practices
How research evidence can inform policies and practices that address economic, security, scientific, and societal challenges.