Research Networks

The Foundation supports interdisciplinary research networks, "research institutions without walls," on topics related primarily to human and community development. They are Foundation-initiated projects that bring together highly talented individuals from a spectrum of disciplines, perspectives, and research methods. The networks examine problems and address empirical questions that will increase the understanding of fundamental social issues and are likely to yield significant improvements in policy and practice.

Current Networks

• Initiative on Depression & Primary Care

  The Foundation launched the Initiative on Depression in Primary Care to enhance the quality of care and outcomes for patients with depressive disorders who are seen in primary care practices.

  Health, United States

• Research Network on Adolescent Development & Juvenile Justice

  Active Strategy

  The Research Network on Adolescent Development and Juvenile Justice seeks to expand the base of knowledge about juvenile crime and delinquency; to disseminate that knowledge to professionals and the public; to improve decision making in the current system; and to prepare the way for the next generation of reform in juvenile justice policy and practice.

  Justice, Research, Youth

• Research Network on an Aging Society

  Active Strategy

  This research network brings together scholars who are conducting a broad-based analysis of how to help the nation prepare for the challenges and opportunities posed by an aging society. Research focuses on how major societal institutions, including retirement, housing and labor markets, government and families, will have to change to support the emergence of a productive, equitable aging society.

  Aging, Health, Housing, Research

• Research Network on Building Resilient Regions

  Active Strategy

  The Foundation’s Network on Building Resilient Regions seeks to expand our knowledge base about how regional actions shape the response to major national economic and demographic challenges.  

  Policy, Research

• Research Network on Connected Learning

  Active Strategy

  This interdisciplinary research network is dedicated to understanding the opportunities and risks for learning afforded by today's changing media ecology, as well as building new learning environments that support effective learning and educational equity.

• Research Network on How Housing Matters For Children and Families

  Active Strategy

  The Research Network on How Housing Matters for Families and Children aims to understand how investments in affordable housing have on a host of other social and economic outcomes beyond merely providing shelter, especially in children and families.

  Housing, Policy, Research, United States, Youth

• Research Network on Law and Neuroscience

  Active Strategy

  The MacArthur Research Network on Law and Neuroscience is examining multiple effects of modern neuroscience on criminal law and trying to make neuroscience accessible and beneficial to America’s courtrooms.

  Science, United States

• Research Network on Mandated Community Treatment

  The Network on Mandated Community Treatment seeks to create a scientifically sound evidence base for developing effective policy and practice on whether, and how, to require certain people with mental disorders to adhere to treatment in the community.

  Health, Policy, Research, United States

• Research Network on Socioeconomic Status & Health

  The mission of the Network on Socioeconomic Status and Health is to enhance the understanding of the mechanisms by which socioeconomic factors affect the health of individuals and their communities.

  Health, Policy, Research, United States

• Research Network on Transitions to Adulthood

  Active Strategy

  Young adulthood is an overlooked era. Yet ages 18 to 30 is a time of profound change. The Network on Transitions to Adulthood is examining this important developmental period, shedding new light on what it means to become an adult in America.

  Policy, Research, United States, Youth

• Research Network on Youth and Participatory Politics

  Active Strategy

  The MacArthur Research Network on Youth and Participatory Politics is exploring the nature and extent of young people's use of digital communications tools, social media and the Internet, and how those tools influences their engagement with participatory politics.

  Policy, Research, Technology, United States, Youth

• Research Network on Youth Mental Health Care

  The Research Network on Youth Mental Health Care seeks to identify scientifically validated mental health treatments for children and adolescents, make them practical for use in clinical settings, and develop strategies to encourage and facilitate their implementation —bringing appropriate, effective, and efficient care to young people with mental illness.

  Health, Policy, Research, Science, Youth