Are you interested in being part of an innovative, interdisciplinary team that explores the research frontiers in the social determinants of mental and physical health?
Join us for the Social Determinants of Mental and Physical Health Micro Lab, where University of Iowa (UI) researchers across disciplines will come together to generate bold ideas and forge new collaborations. Whether your expertise lies in social science, public health, medicine, engineering, environmental studies, or beyond—your perspective is vital.
Wednesday, September 24 from 9am-11am; Social Sciences Research Building
Micro Lab registration is now closed. Interested researchers are still encouraged to complete the survey.
Research Convergence Residency Program
This Micro Lab is associated with the Center for Social Science Innovation’s (CSSI) new Research Convergence Residency Program (RCRP). The intention of the RCRP is to build a strong interdisciplinary group of researchers equipped with the skills and resources necessary to develop high-impact social science research. See CSSI's webpage or contact Ethan Rogers (ethan-rogers@uiowa.edu), associate director of CSSI, for more details. Applications for the RCRP are due Monday, October 13, 2025.
Why This Matters
Understanding the social determinants of health, such as economic stability, housing, education, social support, and access to care is critical to advancing both mental and physical health outcomes. These factors drive some of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. Addressing these complex issues requires perspectives that cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries bringing together scholars in social sciences, medicine, public health, education, policy, and beyond to ask new questions and spark innovative approaches.
The UI is uniquely positioned to lead in this space with recognized strengths in social sciences, health sciences, public policy, and community engagement. Iowa offers a fertile environment for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing this challenge. By participating in this Micro Lab, you will not only meet colleagues who share your interest in tackling the social determinants of health, but also help shape new research directions that can position Iowa researchers at the forefront of funding opportunities in this rapidly growing field.
How You Can Engage
We are seeking bold, forward-thinking research ideas that pushes the frontiers of social determinants of mental and physical health research.
During the in-person two-hour Micro Lab participants will:
- Connect with new collaborators across disciplines
- Explore the biggest challenges and opportunities related to the social determinants of mental and physical health
- Co-develop actionable research concepts for future funding and development, including the RCRP.
Micro Lab registration is now closed, interested researchers are still encouraged to complete the survey.
Call to Action: Submit Your Networking Survey
Micro Lab registration is now closed. Interested researchers are still encouraged to complete the survey.
Complete the Networking Survey
Survey questions include (click here for an example):
- Demographic Information
- What is your interest in social determinants of mental and physical health research?
- What expertise are you looking for in a collaborator?
- What expertise can you offer a research partner?
- Upload a two-page CV or biosketch
Target Audience
We welcome submissions and participation from faculty and research staff across all disciplines.
Potential Funding Sources
Click below to view potential funding sources from Pivot (must be connected to UI network):
Questions?
Please email vpr-rdo@uiowa.edu with any questions. Sign up for the RDO Monthly Newsletter to stay up-to-date on RDO programming here!
Sponsored by:
Research Development Office (RDO) and Center for Social Science Innovation (CSSI)
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa–sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Research Development Office in advance at 319-335-2119 or vpr-rdo@uiowa.edu