Research & Outreach
Several research and outreach centers and institutes are directed by SPIA faculty. They include two University-wide centers (VCHR and RSPC), one College center (MI), two SPIA centers (IGA and ICH), and two program centers (IPPR and IPO).
Virginia Center for Housing Research
VCHR, located in Blacksburg, has a mission to serve as "an interdisciplinary study, research, and information resource on housing for the Commonwealth of Virginia." Consulting on housing issues with the General Assembly, federal, state and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, private industry, and other colleges and universities, the Center also plays a role in the state's housing policy and research network. The Center provides data services related to housing to local and state governments, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses.
Race and Social Policy (RSP) Research Center
The Race and Social Policy Research Center is a university-based research organization that conducts scholarly research in the area of public policy with a direct emphasis on race and ethnicity. RSP research projects are involved in the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policy across different racial and ethnic contexts, within myriad public policy venues including welfare, employment, education and health. The Center promotes a broad and inclusive conceptualization of race and ethnicity including African-Americans, Indians, Asian-Americans, European Americans, Latinos, and bi-racial and multi-racial identities.
MI conducts basic and applied research on national and international development patters, focusing on key forces shaping metropolitan growth such as demographics, environment, technology, design, transportation, and governance. It seeks to expand knowledge in urban and metropolitan affairs in order to improve policy and practice, and educate the general public on important issues facing communities.
Institute for Governance and Accountabilities
IGA facilitates and provides leadership in Virginia Tech's outreach mission to organizations in the Commonwealth's public and non-profit sectors, as well as national and international agencies. The Institute works with existing public service, extension, and outreach programs to respond effectively to existing demands on their services. The Institute identifies new opportunities for outreach, extension, and supporting research pertaining to administration, management, planning, and policy analysis related to public and non-profit organizations.
Institute for Community Health
ICH aids in identifying communities that have established programs and efforts to positively impact health related problems. ICH conducts research and assistance projects related to public health, health service delivery, and health impacts of development.
Institute for Public Policy Research
IPPR serves the Commonwealth by providing resesarch and consultation on important issues of public policy. The Institute pursues this mission through research and technical assistance projects sponsored by local, state, and federal governments, non-profit organizations, and other enterprises.
IPO augments other university programs such as The Rural Economic Analysis Program, The Program for Community Vitality, Public Service programs, the Community Design Assistance Center, the Center for Housing Research, and the Institute for Governance and Policy. IPO collaborates with state and local governments, drawing upon a unique approach of blending policy and administrative theory with current practices in government, primarily in Virginia.
Institute for Social Assessment of Information Technology (inactive)
The mission of the Institute is to conduct research on the social, economic and political consequences of emerging information systems. The goal is to provide policy relevant information on issues that pertain to the impacts of the technology communities. The Institute, coupled with Virginia Tech acknowledged leadership in the technical aspects of information technology, places the University in the forefront of the entire field of information technology.
©2005 School of Public & International Affairs