The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) is highly engaged in social work and interdisciplinary research and evaluation. With a research-engaged faculty comprised of over 40 tenure track and research faculty, our expertise covers the entire lifespan. In the academic year 202, we submitted 209 research proposals, an increase from 175 in 2021, and successfully secured $33 million in external funding.
“Our research efforts are aligned with the broader mission and values of the school, which focuses on developing practitioners, leaders, and scholars to advance the well-being of populations and communities, while promoting social justice,” says Associate Dean for Research Jodi Frey, PhD.
As a public university located in a diverse state and region, the SSW actively promotes social and economic justice in all its activities, including research.
“A significant portion of our research and evaluation work involves partnerships with community organizations,” says Frey. She adds, “We collaborate closely with centers, labs, and research initiatives such as the Center for Restorative Change, Institute for Innovation and Implementation, Behavioral Health and Well-Being Lab, Financial Social Work Initiative, Family Welfare Research and Training Group, and Title IV-E Education for Public Child Welfare, among others. These partnerships extend beyond our School’s wall and work to translate research and best practices throughout the community.”
The school’s research and evaluation projects receive funding from a combination of state, federal, and foundation sources. Some of our funders include the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Department of Education, Maryland Department of Health including the Behavioral Health Administration, Department of Human Services, and various foundations.
The work does not stop once a research project is concluded. According to Frey, “In addition to conducting research, we are committed to disseminating our findings through publications (50-80 peer-reviewed journal articles each year), op-eds, invited articles, media and press, presentations and training.”
Emphasizing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) is a significant focus of the school’s teaching and research. In a recent survey, over 60% of our faculty reported that more than half of their research focused on JEDI principles and values. “We plan to further develop, support and disseminate this work even more in the upcoming academic year,” says Frey.
To support our research faculty, staff, and students, the school provide regular communications, monthly research-focused presentations and training sessions at the SSW and encourage
participation in relevant training offered by the university and other institutions. Recent training topics have included global research initiatives and mixed methods research, among others that use a mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Looking ahead, says Frey, “We are excited to establish stronger relationships with local and state government representatives. We are expanding our collaborations with other University System of Maryland schools and expanding our reach throughout the state including new programming in partnership with community organizations in rural areas such as the Eastern Shore and Western Maryland. Our aim is to incorporate JEDI values into all areas of research.”