5 Things Everyone Should Know About CISS
This article was written by Lindsay Griesman (CAS ’27, Anthropology), who is interning at CISS as part of the 2026 Social Science Summer Writing Intern Program (SWIP).
The Center for Innovation in Social Science (CISS) is a young, yet influential hub for growth, research, training, and engagement in the social sciences. Established in September 2021, the Center brings together undergraduates, graduates, and faculty from a wide array of disciplines. CISS faculty affiliates span the social sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as nearly all other schools at BU, like Law, Medicine, Public Health, Questrom, Theology, and more It acts not just as an academic center, but also as a platform for research advocacy. Now that we’ve covered the basics, here are five things everyone should know about CISS.
1. CISS Offers Job Opportunities
Undergraduates: CISS gives undergraduates the opportunity to participate in meaningful hands-on research alongside faculty and graduate students. Through paid internships like the Social Science Summer Writing Internship program (SWIP) and academic year undergraduate mentored research internship, students can contribute to projects addressing major social issues while building professional skills. Past projects have included investigating the quality of life and experiences of Parkinson’s Disease in minority racial and ethnic groups, how social interaction and everyday conversations shape people’s beliefs about wealth inequality and redistribution, and the Rise of Immigration Raids: Spacial, Temporal, and Demographic Patterns project.
Graduate Students: Students are provided with opportunities to expand their research, gain professional experience, and connect their academic work with real-world impact. Through programs like summer mini-grants, interdisciplinary research collaborations, and internships, graduate students are supported in pursuing innovative social science projects beyond the classroom.
2. CISS Has Faculty Affiliates From 13 Schools Across The University
Faculty throughout BU utilize social science approaches and perspectives in their research, regardless of their academic discipline or school.
The more than 120 faculty affiliates represent the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College of Communication, Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences, Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Hospitality Administration, Law, Medicine, Public Health, Questrom School of Business, Sargent College, Social Work, Theology, and Wheelock College of Education and Human Development.
This allows for multidisciplinary approaches and well-informed experiences for those attending CISS events and following and/or participating in research,
3. CISS Focuses on Real-World Social Issues
CISS supports research on major challenges nationally and globally, including inequality, migration, climate change, public health, and social justice. The Center emphasizes applying said research to better understand and address these issues. For example, CISS recently highlighted an opportunity for researchers and the public to provide input on the next NIH-wide strategic plan, helping to shape national priorities for biomedical and behavioral research.
4. CISS Hosts Events and Public Programming
Beyond research, CISS regularly hosts lectures, professional development workshops, and speaker events that engage both the BU community and the public. These events create opportunities for students and faculty to connect with researchers, policymakers, and professionals working in social science.
5. CISS Is Active On Social Media and Highlights New Research
Follow the Center on our social accounts to stay up to date on the latest research and opportunities. You’ll get short-form, easy-to-follow updates weekly!
