Turning knowledge into action
We support action-oriented and community-centered environmental and social justice research that helps to build a brighter future.
What is social transformation?
Social transformation is the process of uplifting communities and fundamentally reshaping societies to create a more just, sustainable, and democratic world.
Impact areas
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Transformative research
Our unique approach to research turns knowledge into action and ideas into meaningful change. We fund high-impact faculty research that generates powerful insights on urgent societal issues, and we provide staffing and operational support to ensure real-world results.
Collaborative impact
We work alongside community partners to develop projects and resources that address their needs, tap their expertise, and support their leadership, across realms like policy, industry, and advocacy. Together, we’re leveraging the resources of academia for the benefit of all.
Student changemakers
We build pathways for students. Our Building Belonging and Transforming Futures programs support students with impact-oriented research and internship experiences that directly contribute to the betterment of society — helping the next generation find their path as changemakers.
Institute updates
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Partner Q&A: The James Irvine Foundation
Since the Institute’s founding, the Irvine Foundation has been a vital partner and funder, supporting our work in equitable economic development. The UC Santa Cruz news team sat down with Jessica Kaczmarek, Priority Communities Initiative Director at the foundation, to learn more about how and why her organization has chosen to fund the Institute for Social…
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Supporting innovative climate change research
This past year, the institute has been supporting five major research projects across campus that received a combined $9.5 million in California Climate Action Grants funding. The projects cover topics like farmworker health and safety, composting, connections between the housing crisis and climate impacts, the new Pajaro River levee system, and the use of art…
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Organizing for inclusive economic development
As part of the state-wide Community Economic Mobilization Initiative (CEMI), the institute’s staff have led technical assistance, training, and capacity-building this past year for nonprofits from underserved communities that are leading inclusive economic development efforts. Our team conducted needs assessments of 50+ nonprofits, developed online resources, and hosted workshops, a conference, and five cohort-based learning…
