Philip Combiths, assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and a CSSI researcher affiliate, is developing a toolkit to give educators and speech-language pathologists a better picture of multilingual children’s language abilities. To get this critical work off the ground, Combiths was selected for last spring’s CSSI Grant Writing Residency. The program offers dedicated time and space to write a grant proposal while providing expert feedback and assistance with the submission process.

The Center for Social Science Innovation (CSSI) at the University of Iowa has selected four exceptional doctoral candidates for its 2025-2026 Dissertation Completion Program (DCP). This program supports graduate students as they complete their dissertations and prepare for impactful careers in research, policy, and public service.

A national survey of 1,000 U.S. adults found that artificial intelligence (AI) use is widespread, particularly among adults under 50 and those with a four-year or postgraduate degree. The survey also found that 12% of AI users turn to the technology for companionship or conversation and that these AI companionship users are more likely than other AI users to believe chatbots can rival some abilities of human therapists. The survey was conducted as part of CSSI's SurveyHarvest.

The Center for Social Science Innovation seeks faculty and scientific staff from across disciplines to take part in its annual Grant Writing Residency Program (GWRP). GWRP participants work in residence at our center and collaborate closely with the center's grant development staff to create polished, competitive proposals. Apply by December 4th, 2026.

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used by social service agencies to handle cases involving child abuse, intimate partner violence, and elder abuse. But a CLAS researcher and former social worker says the agencies need to establish safeguards to ensure that AI technology does not lead to bias against vulnerable or disadvantaged populations.

Jason Robey, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminology and CSSI researcher affiliate, researches what has driven major changes in the criminal justice system and how those lessons could help shape its future.