The Center for Social Science Innovation is dedicated to fostering groundbreaking research and collaboration within the social sciences. Our research incubation initiatives offer University of Iowa faculty, scientific staff, and students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant community of scholars and advance their research goals.

The purpose of the research incubation core priority is to:

  • Catalyze research ideas: Facilitate scholarly inquiry and incubate research through material and collaborative support.

  • Contribute to and develop collaborative research partnerships: Provide seed funding and consultation, symposia, working groups, consortiums, fellowships and residencies and other forums.

  • Foster novel analytical and theoretical approaches: Share cross-disciplinary knowledge that can make important and cutting-edge contributions to the social sciences.

  • Develop active research networks: Connect researchers with complementary skillsets around topics or areas of interests, theoretical frameworks, or methodological approaches.

Residency Programs

Research Convergence Residency Program

Brings together under the same roof a small group of social science faculty and research staff to study a high-priority topic involving the social sciences.

Dissertation Completion Program

Supplies doctoral students with a supportive environment and tailored resources to assist in the completion of their dissertations.

Grant Writing Residency Program

Assists faculty and staff who are in the preparatory stages of submitting a grant proposal. 

Researcher-in-Residence Program

Provides dedicated time and support for faculty and scientific staff to research topics of significant public interest. 

Learn More About Becoming a Researcher Affiliate

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Undergraduate students have gained valuable research experience through CSSI

CSSI is proud to support the University of Iowa's commitment to undergraduate research. Our student employees receive training on research methods, including survey data collection and transcription, and we fund undergraduate social science research through our partnership with the Office of Undergraduate Research.

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