Introduction to Institutes and Centers
UMass Boston boasts more than 30 interdisciplinary research organizations that bring faculty and students together from across the university to pursue research, teaching, and service on broad scholarly and social topics, including adult literacy, alternative dispute resolution, historical archaeology, disability policy studies, environmental and cultural history, gerontology, green chemistry, science and mathematics education, urban marine and watershed issues, veterans’ affairs, women’s leadership, and issues vital to Asian Americans, African Americans, and Latinos. The work of these organizations is aligned with the strategic research priorities of the "UMass Boston 2008 Strategic Plan: Retention, Research, Reputation" and provides direct benefits to individuals, groups, and the public. Research institutes, centers, and programs provide a means to take advantage of federal programs designed to promote university, government, and corporate partnerships. They enhance undergraduate and graduate education. And they contribute significantly to the accomplishment of the university’s urban land-grant mission.
The list below provides brief descriptions and Web links to the freestanding interdisciplinary research units for which the vice provost for research exercises administrative oversight. A second list of institutes and centers associated with colleges and departments, with descriptions and Web links, is accessible from the link at the top of the navigation pane located on the left side of this page.
Provided to the left are links to the "UMass Boston Policy on Institutes and Centers" and the "University of Massachusetts Policy on Centers and Institutes." The document "UMass Boston Procedural Guidelines for the Establishment of Institutes" presents detailed information on the process for establishing a research institute at UMass Boston.
Asian-American Studies Program and CAPAY
The intercollegiate Asian American Studies Program offers opportunities to study the voices, contemporary issues, historical experiences, and contributions of diverse Asian communities in the U.S. The program collaborates closely with the Institute for Asian American Studies (see below) on research, service learning opportunities, speakers, special events, publications, and student support. The Coalition of Asian Pacific American Youth (CAPAY), institutionalized under the Asian American Studies Program, has become a national model for fostering youth service and leadership activities among Asian American high school youth.
Center for Social Development and Education
The Center for Social Development and Education (CSDE) is a multidisciplinary, multi-service research institute, providing the educational community with the support it needs to meet the increasing challenges of providing for children and adolescents who are at risk, both academically and socially. Emphasis is given to carrying out rigorous basic and applied research that informs practice, and designing and implementing professional development programs to prepare school personnel to meet the challenges of teaching academically at-risk children and adolescents in the general education settings. The CSDE continues to expand its role in the formulation, application, and evaluation of disability policies at the state, national, and international levels.
Center for Survey Research
The Center for Survey Research (CSR), established in 1971, is a full-scale academic survey research center with an ongoing telephone and in-person interviewing staff, computer assisted telephone facilities, and survey sampling capacity. CSR conducts basic and applied research that contributes to knowledge and understanding of important social issues, and supports public and private agencies in carrying out policy-related research of high quality. By providing methodological expertise and experienced survey support staff, CSR also assists university scholars who are conducting survey research projects.
Institute for Asian American Studies
The Institute for Asian American Studies (IAAS) was established in 1993 with support from Asian American communities and direction from the state legislature. IAAS utilizes resources and expertise from the university and the community to conduct research on Asian Americans; to strengthen and further Asian American involvement in political, economic, social, and cultural life; and to improve opportunities and campus life for Asian American faculty, staff, and students and for those interested in Asian Americans.
Institute for Community Inclusion
The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) is committed to developing resources and supports for people with disabilities and their families, fostering interdependence, productivity, and inclusion in school and community settings. ICI supports the rights of children and adults with disabilities to participate in all aspects of the community. As practitioners, researchers, and teachers, we form partnerships with individuals, families, and communities. Together we advocate for personal choice, self-determination, and social and economic justice.
Massachusetts Office of Dispute Resolution
The Massachusetts Office of Dispute Resolution (MODR) is dedicated to promoting and facilitating alternative dispute resolution within public entities. MODR assists people and organizations to recognize potential conflicts and approach, prevent, and resolve them in creative and constructive ways. We believe that government functions best when there is collaboration between citizens and decision makers. MODR provides tools and resources that support effective and responsive government, including consulting, conflict assessment, facilitation, mediation, arbitration, training, and comprehensive dispute systems design. We assist public entities, including state agencies, municipalities, and courts to develop integrated conflict management systems that improve their ability to deal with conflict.
Mauricio Gastón Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy
The Mauricio Gastón Institute was established in 1989 to inform policy makers about issues vital to the Commonwealth’s growing Latino community and to provide this community with information and analysis necessary for effective participation in public policy development. Institute research projects are intended to be relevant and useful to policy-makers and Latino groups. With an advisory board comprising Latino academics and leaders of the Latino community, the Gastón Institute seeks to set research and policy goals that reflect the interests of the community it serves.
Urban Harbors Institute
The Urban Harbors Institute (UHI) conducts research and offers technical assistance and advisory services on urban harbor issues, including urban planning, coastal and harbor planning, natural resource management, marine industry master planning, water transportation, geographical information systems, meeting facilitation, and conference and workshop coordination, as well as technical support and referral services. While our focus is on urban marine and watershed issues in New England, UHI has worked with governments, non-government organizations, and marine industry representatives from around the US, and internationally from countries in Eastern and Western Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.
William Monroe Trotter Institute for the Study of Black Culture
The William Monroe Trotter Institute, founded in 1984, addresses the needs and concerns of the Black community and communities of color in Boston and Massachusetts through research, technical assistance, and public service. Many forms of technical assistance are provided to community groups, organizations, and public agencies. The institute also sponsors public forums as a means of disseminating research and involving the community in the discussion of public policy and other issues impacting Blacks locally and nationally.
William Joiner Center for the Study of War and Social Consequences
The William Joiner Center, founded in 1982, provides educational and other service to veterans, conducts research, and makes recommendations on veterans’ issues. Named after William Joiner, an African American veteran and the university’s first director of veterans’ affairs, the center encourages teaching and scholarship on the Vietnam War and social consequences.
The list of web links below presents the institutes and centers associated with colleges and departments.
Adult Literacy Resource Institute
Andrew Fiske Memorial Center for Archaeological Research
Center for Coastal Environmental Sensing Networks
Center for Democracy and Development
Center for Green Chemistry
Center for Rebuilding Sustainable Communities after Disasters
Center for Social Policy
Center for State and Local Policy
Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy
Center of Science and Mathematics in Context
Center on Media and Society
Gerontology Institute
Labor Resource Center
New England Resource Center for Higher Education
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute
Pension Action Center
Policy Center for Marine Biosciences & Technology
Research Center for Urban and Cultural History
Small Business Development Center & Minority Business Center