We are pleased to announce that four faculty-initiated research collaboratives have been selected for the academic year (24-25) as part of a new research initiative. Social work research collaboratives are being established to build knowledge, foster community, and support the development of innovative approaches within the field. Each collaborative has a focused goal of advancing scholarship and research in topic areas critical to advancing social work practice. We encourage those with aligned interests to reach out to conveners.
See below for an overview of each collaborative:
1. Public Social Work Research Collaborative
Convener: Leah Jacobs, leahjacobs@pitt.edu
This collaborative focuses on developing “public social work,” renewing interest in public sector social work, and supporting public sector work, advocacy, and activism. It aims to increase awareness of and access to the School of Social Work’s contributions to the field.
2. Healthy Aging Research Collaborative
Multiple Conveners, Key Contact: Beth Mulvaney, eam65@pitt.edu
This collaborative is committed to advancing social work research, building strong community partnerships, and fostering the next generation of social work aging practitioners and scholars. Their proposal, The Ties That Bind, highlights the importance of health equity, innovation, and social bonds in promoting healthy aging.
3. Human Flourishing Research Collaborative
Convener: Deborah Moon, djm207@pitt.edu
This collaborative aims to advance research that promotes human flourishing. Moving beyond problem-focused approaches, it seeks to reduce stigma and promote well-being, with social work leading the way in promotion research.
4. Care Work Research Collaborative
Convener: Mary Beth Rauktis, mar104@pitt.edu
This collaborative examines the impact of care work on well-being, focusing on a broad range of caregivers. It aims to support and address the challenges faced by those engaged in care work across various fields.
We are excited about the important work these collaboratives are undertaking and look forward to the advancements they will bring to social work research.