Applied research and community engagement
Applied research—research that responds directly to the needs of young children and the people who serve them—is an Erikson hallmark.
It focuses on outcomes—what works, and how— and on models that can be replicated. It contributes to our understanding of issues facing families across age, race, and ethnic lines, with a particular focus on disadvantaged communities.

Community engagement with children and families or the professionals who work with them is also a key element of our work. Through a wide range of projects and partnerships with schools, social service agencies, hospitals, and more, our faculty bring child development knowledge directly to organizations that serve Chicago’s children and families.

Bridging theory and practice, our research and work in the community generates knowledge that invigorates our courses and improves life for children and families in Chicago and throughout the nation.

This is exactly the kind of knowledge needed to develop effective programs, services, and policy for young children and families. So, in addition to this work, Erikson established the Herr Research Center for Children and Social Policy in 2005 specifically to conduct and disseminate research that informs, supports, and encourages effective early childhood policy in the Great Lakes region.