Research Network for Health and Society

The Research Network for Health and Society (REACH) aims to create opportunities for holistic social science perspectives on health, culture and policy. The mission is to advance interdisciplinary social science research and training on health and society in the Global South, and to develop and disseminate evidence-based and policy relevant knowledge and solutions to address health concerns in the region.

The vision of the Research Network for Health and Society is to transform “health and society” scholarship in the broadest terms, advancing policy relevant social science research collaboration and engagement to ensure that Florida International University is at the forefront of interdisciplinary efforts in the Global South.

The Research Network for Health and Society includes but is not limited to the following projects. Click on each link and you will be directed to project details and additional resources.

Artistic Productions

Community-Based Research

Faculty and Student Affiliates

Grants

MSI to MSI Collaboration and Professional School Collaboration

Publications

In addition, the Research Network for Health and Society includes but is not limited to the following goals and objectives:

Goals:

(1) To expand the breadth and depth of rigorous policy-relevant social science research that addresses itself to understanding the causes and consequences of complex health problems that face the Global South.

(2) To foster interdisciplinary social science approaches and collaborations that extend beyond the traditional health science disciplines of medicine and public health.

(3) To train a new generation of scholars in innovative research techniques using interdisciplinary approaches and the application of knowledge to policy.

Specific Objectives of Goal 1:

To expand the breadth and depth of rigorous policy-relevant social science research that addresses itself to understanding the causes and consequences of complex health problems that face the Global South.

(A) To implement research that takes into consideration individual, communal, political-economic and socio-cultural factors of health concerns in the Global South.

(B) To develop and fortify research areas that are critical for successfully confronting health disparities among socially vulnerabilized populations in the Global South.

(C) To foster partnerships between stakeholders in these endeavors including researchers, communities, funders and policy makers.

(D) To strengthen infrastructure for research and dissemination of policy relevant scientific knowledge.

Specific Objectives of Goal 2:

To foster interdisciplinary social science approaches and collaborations that extend beyond the traditional health science disciplines of medicine and public health.

(A) To promote linkages between communities and institutions that can jointly establish sustainable research agendas on health issues in the Global South.

(B) To create space for dialogue and project development among differently positioned researchers from a broad range of disciplinary backgrounds.

(C) To facilitate communication and translation of research findings among the policy makers and the public.

Specific Objectives of Goal 3:

To train a new generation of scholars in innovative research techniques using interdisciplinary approaches and the application of knowledge to policy.

(A) To provide health related research training opportunities for FIU colleagues, national and international collaborators at all levels (e.g., internships, research fellowships).

(B) To create a space for grant development, systematic feedback, and workshopping of grant proposals or project concepts, using peer review sessions.

(C) To develop innovative mixed and alternative/artistic methods (e.g., PhotoVoice, documentary film, narrative production) to inform social science research on health.

(D) To enhance community engagement experiences and skills among trainees, collaborators and investigators to jointly promote sustainable research agendas.