Advancing societal wellbeing
VCU is committed to advancing societal well-being by examining the factors that influence the well-being of individuals, communities, and society as a whole. As a strategic priority, advancing societal well-being involves a wide range of disciplines and stakeholders working together to address challenging social, economic, environmental, and cultural factors.
All One VCU Research strategic initiatives are supported by our common fundamental goal of a culture of collaboration.
Goal 1
Identify solutions for societal challenges contributing to social determinants of health, the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. This research is often guided by the concept of social determinants of health, which are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age.
Objectives
- Reduce the impact of poverty, hunger, community violence, and educational barriers through transdisciplinary research and scholarship focused on causes, consequences, and remedies.
- Inform effective programs, practices, and ultimately policies that lead to systems change through effective translation, communication, and application of research results.
- Amplify the impact of strong social networks and initiatives, by developing social capital that advances a peaceful society.
- Design and develop model policies and programs that promote peace and justice as fundamental human rights
Goal 2
Transform communities with real-world impact by prioritizing community-engaged research that reflects the perspectives and needs of the communities VCU serves, and prioritizing approaches that lead to feasible, measurable, and sustainable solutions.
Objectives
- Address complex societal issues through co-creation of knowledge with community-engaged partners by designing and testing new approaches to identifying, developing, and maintaining connection, belonging, and support across social networks.
- Enhance community collaborations through deliberate development of VCU infrastructure to engage the community with our research mission, training for faculty and staff, community research advisory boards, and increased community-partnered research.
- Produce research results designed to shape policy supporting the development of healthy, engaged, and innovative urban communities.
- Develop methods of measuring and reporting on overall societal wellness as defined by resources strengthening positive relationships, individual sense of purpose, and community connection.