As the Social & Behavioral Science Institute (SBSI) begins its first semester as an institute, we’re looking back at a gathering in spring that reflects an important part of our mission: bringing researchers across disciplines together. In May, more than 30 assistant professors representing 23 departments and units across campus came together for the SBSI Assistant Professor Gathering—a day designed to build connections across disciplines, strengthen research networks, and support faculty as they develop their research programs.
Creating opportunities for early-career faculty to connect beyond their home departments was central to the gathering. As researchers establish their programs of scholarship, relationships across disciplines can open doors to new perspectives, expertise, methods, and potential collaborations. The event provided dedicated time and structure for starting to develop those relationships—something that can be difficult to find amid the demands of the academic year.
The day began with an opportunity for attendees to map their work to SBSI’s five areas of impact, followed by structured research speed networking focused on the problems driving their research, the methods and data they use, and the collaborators or expertise they are seeking.
SBSI Five Impact Areas
SBSI’s five areas of impact reflect societal challenges and opportunities where social and behavioral science can make a meaningful contribution.
Technology & Society
Exploring how technology shapes people’s lives and society.
Health & Well-Being
Understanding the factors that shape physical and mental health across the lifespan.
Institutions & Organizations
Examining how policies, institutions, and organizations shape society and decision-making.
Equity, Access, & Belonging
Exploring systems and opportunities that shape equality, inclusion, access, and belonging.
Environment & Society
Understanding the human dimensions of environmental challenges and climate resilience.
Concurrent professional development sessions addressed crafting effective research one-pagers, harnessing AI for research productivity, and communicating social and behavioral science for public impact. The day concluded with an optional Collaboration Clinic, where participants could turn promising conversations into potential projects.
The gathering highlighted the value of creating spaces where faculty can step outside disciplinary boundaries, exchange ideas, and build relationships—and the important role SBSI plays in bringing those connections to life. We look forward to seeing those relationships grow and providing more opportunities for new ones to take shape.
Build Connections Across Campus
Looking for collaborators or opportunities to connect with researchers beyond your discipline? SBSI can help bring people and ideas together.
Research Support Email SBSI