Global and Community Health
As a unique, interdisciplinary program housed within the Division of Social Sciences and the Division of Physical and Biological Sciences , Global and Community Health aims at improving health and reducing health inequalities both globally and locally.
The program builds on existing UCSC strengths in genomics, the biology of neglected diseases and cancers, and environmental influences on health, agro-ecological innovation, community studies. It also encompasses research on the political, economic and social determinants of health, seeking to make ‘global health’ a reality for all.
Through collaboration with the Institute for Social Transformation (IST), the program has successfully launched BA and BS degrees in Global and Community Health. IST has been an important partner and incubator for this work, helping connect affiliated faculty and build research collaboratives that connect scholars across UCSC and beyond the University. We have also helped integrate the multidisciplinary approach of the program through the creation of research clusters dedicated to social justice and health.
Today, we enable the program to expand its research clusters and projects through administrative support and partnership building. This research is critical in mitigating health problems, meeting urgent needs, and linking biomedical innovations with social transformation.
From the wealth and technological innovations of Silicon Valley to the poverty and social struggles that continue in California’s Pajaro Valley and Central Valley, research will facilitate bridge-building between communities and new generations of researchers and students.
For information on joining this collaborative effort, please contact Global and Community Health Executive Directors, Matt Sparke and Grant Hartzog.
To learn more about the undergraduate program, research clusters, affiliated faculty, and see the latest program updates, please visit the Global and Community Health program website.
