The Healthy Communities Research INSTITUTE (HCRI) is focused on basic and applied research leading to the discovery of processes and practices that enable all people to thrive free of preventable disease and injury, while achieving well-being and health-related quality of life.

The HCRI is guided by the principles of conducting transdisciplinary research, engaging students in experiential learning, and establishing partnerships between research and practice that build local capacity for healthy communities.  This institute also links what is taught and learned in the classroom with its application across Northeast Ohio and around the world.  It bridges existing research strengths across disciplines and provides opportunities for students and faculty to work together on meaningful research.  Faculty involved in this effort represent several colleges, including the College of Architecture & Environmental Design, the College of the Arts, the College of Arts & Sciences, the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the College of Communication & Information, the College of Education, Health & Human Services, the College of Nursing, the College of Podiatric Medicine, and the College of Public Health.

Research in HCRI addresses some of the timeliest problems facing our communities, including addiction, aging, healthcare access, injury prevention, diabetes, disability, nutrition, physical activity, suicide, trauma, and violence.
 

Prior to August 2021, HCRI was an initiative.