Research Institutes and Centers

Research for the Public Good

In addition to being passionate educators, DU’s faculty members conduct research and advance knowledge that solves challenges faced by communities in Colorado and far beyond. From the global trends shaping humanity’s future to family well-being and maternal health to improving learning outcomes in children and improving our legal system—faculty across DU are serving as agents of positive change. 

What’s more, our institutes offer hands-on learning opportunities for DU's graduate and undergraduate students. Working alongside faculty mentors, students gain applicable skills that complement their classroom learning and set them on a course for meaningful lives and careers.  

"I am constantly fascinated by how our interactions with other animals and the environment impact so many human health outcomes. Our research group's innovative approach to understanding how these interactions impact major social issues also creates unique opportunities to mentor the next generation of researchers."

— Kevin Morris

American Humane Endowed Chair
Research Professor Graduate School of Social Work
Executive Director Institute for Human-Animal Connection

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Dedicated Research Institutes

people working together on a laptop
  • Butler Institute for Families

    The Butler Institute for Families at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work collaboratively partners with organizations that serve children, youth, families, individuals and communities. Through research, evaluation, organizational improvement efforts, trainings, coaching and dissemination of information, we work to improve systems and programs in early childhood, behavioral health, child welfare, and tribal initiatives. The Butler Institute helps organizations build sustainable programs that center justice, equity, diversity and inclusion to support families and develop thriving communities.  

    Visit Butler Institute for Families

person working on laptop
  • Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures

    The Frederick S. Pardee Institute for International Futures (Pardee Institute) is dedicated to advancing the understanding of global trends and their implications for humanity's future. Through rigorous research and analysis, the Pardee Institute provides vital insights that inform policymakers, businesses and communities globally by empowering them to make informed decisions for sustainable development in an interconnected world.

    Visit Pardee Institute for International Futures

DU law students
students outside with dogs
  • Institute for Human-Animal Connection

    From thoughtful petkeeping to global biodiversity, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection conducts groundbreaking research to understand the profound impact of our interactions with animals and the environment. IHAC explores the deep connection between the health of humans, our communities, animals and the environment, and how we can protect that health for our collective futures.

    Visit Institute for Human-Animal Connection

DU 4D anderson academic commons
  • Institute for Relationship Science

    The Institute for Relationship Science conducts high-quality, basic-science research on the relationships children and adolescents have with their community—their family, friends, and romantic partners. They seek to develop findings that inform public messaging, prevention programs and interventions with the goal to improve the lives of young people.

    Visit Institute for Relationship Science

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  • The Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging

    KIHA brings together experts from across DU and the greater Denver region to address the complex issues facing aging adults. The institute supports research on aging across a variety of specialties, including wet lab science, social work, psychology, law, education, and business.

    Visit KIHA

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  • Marsico Institute for Early Learning

    The Marsico Institute advances interdisciplinary research to address pressing social and environmental challenges on local and global scales. Through collaborative efforts, the Marsico Institute develops innovative solutions and inform policies and practices aimed at promoting social justice and environmental stewardship, ultimately working towards a more equitable and sustainable future for all.

    Visit Marsico Institute for Early Learning

Mary and Doug Scrivner outside
  • The Scrivner Institute of Public Policy

    The Scrivner Institute of Public Policy is an interdisciplinary hub focused on addressing crucial contemporary policy issues with a local to global perspective and an emphasis on practical solutions. The institute is committed to the public good through inclusive, engaged, innovative and ethical public policy research, curriculum, and programming.

    Visit the Scrivner Institute

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  • Stress, Early Experience and Development Institute - SEED

    SEED conducts research to better understand and address the impacts of maternal stress and early childhood experiences and development to promote intergenerational health, well-being and resilience. By fostering rigorous interdisciplinary, policy-relevant research with collaborative community partners SEED seeks to improve the lives of children and their loved ones.

    Visit SEED

Dedicated Research Centers

  • Center for Advanced Biosensing Engineering

    The center aims to be the leading research center in the field of biosensing engineering in order to address real-world biomedical concerns. They deliver interdisciplinary research and create solutions in biomedical sensing technology.

  • Center for Analytics and Innovation with Data

    CAID focuses on data and data/business analytics in various industries to help all stakeholders in both public and private sectors make informed money-making or money-saving decisions.

    Visit CAID

  • Center for Immigration Policy & Research

    CIPR is a multidisciplinary center collaborating on migration issues and topics, involving faculty, students, community partners, and policymakers. The center focuses primary on immigrant populations from Latin America and the Rocky Mountain West with a focus on social and economic considerations, as well as law and politics.

    Visit CIPR

  • Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab

    Since 2017, The Colorado Evaluation & Action Lab has worked with government and community partners to create data-informed solutions to the state’s most pressing problems. The center’s goal is to improve the lives of Coloradans through evidence-based decision making.  

    Visit the Colorado Lab

  • Consumer Insights & Business Innovation Center

    CiBiC is an interdisciplinary center for the study of human behavior with an emphasis on market-driven results. Engaging students and faculty, CiBiC conducts qualitative and quantitative research on consumer insights and creates stronger connections with businesses, particularly within the Denver area.

    Visit CiBiC

  • Estlow International Center for Journalism and New Media

    The Estlow Center studies how journalism can enhance civic engagement and uphold human rights for all through research and teach, as well as by recognizing media professionals working to advance a better understanding of journalism's many forms and what emergent digital environments mean for the future of democratic engagement.

    Visit the Estlow Center