Social Science Research

Research Award Winners

The Faculty of Social Sciences is home to a vibrant culture of scholarship.  It is home to many award-winning researchers. From 2008-09 through 2010-11, faculty members in Social Sciences received almost $2.2 million in research grants from federal government research granting agencies for projects based at Brock University.  Further details about research productivity can be found in our Annual Report.  For some examples of our award winners, visit our Faculty Research Awards page.

Programs of Research

Faculty members across the Faculty of Social Sciences each typically have their own program of research.  Details about faculty research expertise can be found on individual departmental web pages.  Members of the Faculty of Social Sciences are also engaged in a number of transdisciplinary research initiatives that examine issues from a variety of perspectives.  These include:

Brock Institue for Electrophysiological Research - BIER brings together researchers in psychology, biological sciences, and physical education and kinesiology who utilize EEG (electro-encephalogram), EMG (electromyogram) and other electrophysiological measures to study thought processes, the control of movement, and the functional properties of neurons.

Brock Research Institute for Youth Studies — BRIYS promotes collaboration, co-operation, and multidisciplinary alliances within the field of youth research. Research projects include resilience and lifestyle choices, smoking cessation, gambling, and language development and literacy.

Canadian Water Economics — This group conducts research to help maximize the sustainable value that Canada can obtain from using its scarce water resources.

Environmental Sustainability Research Centre - The purpose of the Brock Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC) (formerly known as Brock Environmental Sustainability Research Unit or BESRU) is to pursue innovative and interdisciplinary research concerning the environment, sustainability and social-ecological resilience.

Jobs & Justice Research Unit - The Brock University Jobs and Justice Research Unit brings together researchers from various disciplines and faculties with a shared interest in issues related to work and labour and their relationship to social, political, economic and environmental justice.

Jack and Nora Walker Canadian Centre for Lifespan Development Research - The Plaza Building houses this research centre, home to more than 60 faculty members who study such things as developing brains, youth lifestyle choices, and healthy living for adults. The network also involves more than 30 community groups.

Niagara Community Observatory — This partnership with the community fosters, produces and disseminates research on issues relevant to Niagara residents.