On February 12, CSBS hosted its first Spring Open House, welcoming researchers from across campus. The event, held in the lobby of our new space in the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) building, served as an opportunity for attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations in the social and behavioral sciences. 

We were honored to be joined by Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost John Coleman and Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Susan Martinis, who attended as CSBS recognized the recipients of the inaugural Social and Behavioral Science Impact Award. CSBS Director Eva Pomerantz offered brief remarks celebrating Dr. Ryan Wade (School of Social Work) and Dr. Carena van Riper (natural resources and environmental sciences), whose work exemplifies the rigor and interdisciplinary impact of social and behavioral science research. 

The Open House emphasized the vital role of social and behavioral science at Illinois. From shaping policy to driving innovation and improving lives at local and global scales, researchers in these fields offer essential insights that can have transformative impact. CSBS fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and provides researchers with the support and community needed to tackle these challenges effectively. 

Beyond the awards, the event served as a space for conversation and collaboration. Attendees shared resources, brainstormed new ways to work together, and strengthened the connections that drive social and behavioral science forward at Illinois. Despite the snowy weather, we were thrilled to see so many members of our community coming together, and we look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead.