Social Impact Research
The Rustandy Center for Social Sector Innovation supports groundbreaking social impact research from some of the world’s leading academic minds.
We catalyze empirical research that seeks to help stakeholders working to address social issues, both by examining the practices of social sector organizations and evaluating innovative social programs.
We also support theoretical research that investigates the frameworks under which organizations operate and their role in society. Then we share research findings with practitioners and leaders in the for-profit, nonprofit, and public sectors in hopes of making their work more impactful.
Facilitating cutting-edge research partnerships is a cornerstone of our efforts, pairing top minds in economics, operations, marketing, finance, accounting, and behavioral science with a broad network of alumni and sector leaders to generate important insights. Read more about how we define social impact research.
Impact by the Numbers
Research Partnerships
Our global partnerships connect top scholars with business, nonprofit, and government leaders in support of game-changing social impact research.
Research Partnerships
Research Papers
We support game-changing social impact research—and then share those findings with people who are tackling big problems.
Research Papers
Data Sources
The Rustandy Center supports research in the social sector by providing access to a variety of data sources and database support.
Data Sources
Economics of Social Sector Organizations Conference
This annual event brings together faculty from across disciplines to explore the broad range of organizations addressing social issues.
Economics of Social Sector Organizations Conference
Visiting Fellows
By hosting scholars from other leading research institutions, the Rustandy Center Visiting Fellows program fosters a spirit of collaboration.
Visiting Fellows
Research Professionals
The Rustandy Center research professionals participate in Pathways to Research and Doctoral Careers (PREDOC), a bridge to doctoral programs in the quantitative sciences.
Research ProfessionalsStories from Our Research Community
What is social impact research?
Social impact research combines data, rigorous analysis, and real-world experience to explore solutions to complex social and environmental issues.
What is social impact research?
New Report Looks at How Firms Measure Corporate Social Responsibility
Rustandy Center researchers collected CSR reports, identified common metrics for ESG investors, others.
New Report Looks at How Firms Measure Corporate Social Responsibility
Research to Practice: Booth Professor, Alumna Team up to Fight Malaria
Rustandy Center research partnership aims to develop supply chain, deliver health supplies in Democratic Republic of Congo.
Research to Practice: Booth Professor, Alumna Team up to Fight Malaria
