UNC School of Social Work faculty, staff and doctoral students use advanced methods to conduct cutting-edge research to inform, develop, and evaluate interventions at the level of practice, program and policy that address some of society’s most challenging issues.
Our research mission reflects key social work values, including a focus on empowering others and developing evidence to improve care and quality of life. The hallmark of the School’s research enterprise centers around intervention research — policies, programs and practices designed to promote desirable outcomes. Our research leads to more efficient care systems, more effective services, and improved population health and well-being.
School of Social Work researchers focus on five key programs of research:
- Child, youth and family well-being
- Economic security
- Health, mental health and behavioral health
- Older adults and long-term care
- System- and service-level research
This focus has led us to become a top five social work school of research, totaling more than $30 million in research and development expenditures in the latest National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development Survey. Our work has led to improved health outcomes locally, nationally and internationally, from our Tiny Homes Village project that provides affordable and sustainable housing for individuals with mental illness and other health conditions in Chatham County, North Carolina, to health interventions for youth in Tanzania.
Research Resources and Leadership
By the Numbers
No. 3
in latest NSF HERD Survey
$30M+
in external awards in FY25
40+
research faculty and staff members
Research Mission and Programs
Speaking Research
In the News
