Celebrating our dynamic journey over the past five years, the Institute for Social Transformation stands as a critical intellectual and social hub, passionately addressing today’s most pressing issues. Through a myriad of impactful initiatives, we are fostering groundbreaking interdisciplinary programs and events that reshape the narrative of what it means to fight for social justice. See how we are deepening our connection with our community, validating the impactful network structures we’ve built, and setting a robust foundation for the exciting journey ahead as reflect on five years of transformation.
Our Mission
Rooted in the Social Sciences Division at UC Santa Cruz, the institute supports innovative scholarship that changes the world. The institute is a critical intellectual and social hub, connecting scholars across UC Santa Cruz and partners beyond the University, developing research-based solutions to urgent problems in the world.
2024 U.S. Elections Forum Series
Power, Politics, and Our Democracy
Join the conversation with our scholars and national thought leaders to learn more about how to think critically about our political processes and the nature of our democracy. The 2024 U.S. Elections Forum Series is designed to foster open dialogue and engage students and the public in critical conversations about democracy, media, and voter participation. There are six events in the series.
NEW BOOK – Charging Forward: Lithium Valley, Electric Vehicles, and a Just Future
A clarion call for justice in the quest for clean energy
California’s Salton Sea region is home to some of the worst environmental health conditions in the country. It is also ground zero for a new “lithium gold rush”—a race to extract a mineral critical to the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and renewable energy storage markets. With enough lithium lurking beneath the surface to provide a third of global demand, who will benefit from the development of this precious resource?
Research News
