Social Science Research Institute

Supporting Novel Interdisciplinary Research to Address Critical Human and Social Problems
Chris Fowler headshot with bookshelf in background, blue button down shirt, brown sweater and tie, with brown hair and beard.

Fowler featured in first SSRI Public Impact Research video

Christopher Fowler, professor of geography and director of SSRI’s Federal Statistical Research Data Center (FSRDC), is the first researcher featured in a new SSRI video series focusing on how research translates to public impact.

Learn More
SRC at Spring Celebration 2026.

SSRI celebrates faculty accomplishments, staff awards

Faculty and staff from all of SSRI's units recently gathered at the Nittany Lion Inn to celebrate major accomplishments of the year and to announce staff awards. Courtney Carmichael​, research project support specialist​, Clearinghouse for…

Learn More
Center for Socially Responsible AI invites seed funding proposals.

AI in Social Research event to be held June 3-4

The AI and Social Research: Empathic AI, Metascience, and Methodology Conference will be held June 3-4 at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub and on Zoom.

Learn More
The various forms of cannabis all affect the reward, stress and impulse-control functions of the brain — as do nicotine and alcohol

What are the risks of cannabis use?

On April 26, the United States reclassified cannabis from a Schedule I controlled substance, which lacks any medical benefits, to a Schedule III controlled substance, which has accepted medical uses and lower potential for misuse than a Schedule I…

Learn More
Become a SSRI Affiliate

Become a SSRI Affiliate

Welcome to the SSRI Faculty Affiliate Program, where social and behavioral science researchers at Penn State connect to share opportunities and form collaborations.

Learn More

SSRI Mission

Our mission is to foster novel, interdisciplinary collaborations by investigators who aim to address critical human and social problems at the local, national, and international levels and to translate and disseminate this knowledge into measurable outcomes for human behavior, health, and development. ​

Learn More >>

RESEARCH

Within SSRI we support several research units.

RESOURCES

Core resources tailored to the needs of social and behavioral scientists.

Illustration of four interlocking puzzle pieces, each featuring a distinct icon.

FUNDING

Seed grants and faculty fellowships.

AFFILIATES

SSRI Faculty Affiliate Program.

SSRI News

View Senators McCormick and Fetterman urge NIH to release FY2026 appropriated funds
View NIH Requirement Regarding Foreign Components
View Fowler featured in first SSRI Public Impact Research video
View AI in Social Research event to be held June 3-4
View What are the risks of cannabis use?
View College of Medicine appoints Jennifer Kraschnewski to vice dean role