Research & Impact

UW-Milwaukee is an R1 institution. Faculty at the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare conduct research and evaluation projects relevant to applied gerontology, criminal justice, family and child welfare, and health and behavioral health.

The school brings in the most research dollars among professional schools at UW-Milwaukee — extramural funding at the school was $15 million for the 2024-2025 academic year. All faculty have access to the Office of Research Administration (ORA), which assists faculty with applying for and managing sponsored funding. This administrative infrastructure supports faculty in their pursuit of interdisciplinary, scientifically rigorous social and behavioral research.

The Department of Social Work includes 13 faculty, nine clinical faculty members and 25 lecturers. The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology includes nine faculty and one lecturer.

Female social work professor confidently stands at a well-lit kitchen counter. In the background, a child works on a task with an older adult at the kitchen table. — Melinda S. Kavanaugh develops training and tools to support the 5 million U.S. children and teens who care for ill or injured family members. (UWM Photo/Troye Fox)

Current Research

Research conducted by faculty often involves multidisciplinary collaboration through partnerships with researchers on campus and nationwide.

All Current Research

Institutes & Offices

Institute for Child and Family Well-Being

The Institute for Child and Family Well-Being is a collaboration between Children’s Wisconsin and the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare.

Office of Research Administration (ORA)

Housed within the College of Community Engagement and Professions, the Office of Research Administration (ORA) provides pre- and post-award research administration services to the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare and the School of Information Studies.

Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology

The Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology promotes optimal aging and strengthens connections with community partners by advancing opportunities in gerontology education, research and training for students, faculty and the community.