Research Centers

Center for Health Aging Links to an external site.

Science that promotes lifelong health and well-being, educational practices that encourage curiosity and inclusion, and outreach programs that build partnerships and foster trust.

Center Director: Martin J. Sliwinski Links to an external site., Ph.D., Gregory H. Wolf Professor of Aging Studies, Professor of Human Development & Family Studies

Center for Safe and Health Children Links to an external site.

The Center for Safe and Healthy Children is a key national resource for supporting and growing cutting-edge research focused on creating safe environments and mitigating the effects of early-life stress [including child abuse, racism, gender discrimination, family violence, family separation and extreme poverty] on wellbeing over the life-course.

Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center Links to an external site.

At the Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, we use science to build a healthier and more equitable world for individuals, families, and communities. We believe in promoting human flourishing and preventing problems that cause human suffering.

Center Director: Max Crowley Links to an external site., Ph.D., Professor of Human Development & Family Studies and Public Policy; Director of Evidence-to-Impact Collaborative

Center for Health Care and Policy Research Links to an external site.

Penn State’s Center for Health Care Policy Research takes an interdisciplinary team approach to creating and disseminating new scientific knowledge that helps private and public decision-makers create accessible services and programs that improve people's health.

Center Director: Dennis Scanlon Links to an external site., Ph.D., Distinguished Professor of Health Policy & Administration; NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative

Center for Childhood Obesity Research Links to an external site.

Here at Penn State's Center for Childhood Obesity Research, under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Savage Williams, we conduct important research that provides the evidence base needed to develop successful childhood obesity prevention and treatment programs. Focused primarily on programs that prevent the development of obesity during the first years of life, the Center puts much time and effort into exploring and addressing one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century.

Center Director: Jennifer Savage Williams Links to an external site., Ph.D.