Pursuing scholarship that delivers direct benefits to our communities is a commitment UC Davis embraces with pride, and is at the heart of what we do here at Public Scholarship and Engagement.

The newest Public Impact Research Initiative grant recipients embody our belief that academic research must be responsive to and resonate with societal needs. 

The power of the PIRI grants lies in their ability to facilitate community-university partnerships towards a common goal, creating a dialogue where research informs practice and community aspirations drive innovation.

Take, for instance, a proposal to pair with local schools and organizations in Maui for wildfire mitigation with land stewardship. This project emphasizes community participation in addressing ecological challenges. Other partnerships are tackling the impact of toxic air pollutants on California agricultural workers and uncovering the stories of diverse communities that have been excluded from historical scholarship. 

Together, our PIRI grantees exemplify research and scholarship that seeks equitable solutions to wicked problems. I am inspired by their ambition and dedication, and I encourage you to read more about these projects below.

In community,

Michael Rios

Vice Provost, Public Scholarship and Engagement  

This year's funded projects exemplify the breadth and depth of public scholarship, ranging from efforts to mitigate wildfire risks in Maui; citizen science and environmental justice; advancing healthcare accessibility; and documenting stories of indigenous peoples and immigrants. Awardees were selected from 26 applicants across UC Davis.

PSE’s competitive fellowship program seeks to acknowledge and reward exemplary individuals who are working toward a specific public scholarship goal. We encourage all eligible faculty, researchers and continuing lecturers to apply, and we ask you to help spread the word about this fantastic opportunity. Applications are due May 15.