University researchers shape knowledge for public use

Faculty and student research projects at Portland State University contribute to the quality of university programs, and also contribute to the quality of life and economic well-being of citizens, businesses and community organizations. As Oregon's urban university, PSU has a responsibility and a unique opportunity to shape knowledge that influences the city, the region, and other areas worldwide.

Teams of faculty and student researchers at PSU have helped to shape issues in areas such as public policy, economic development, environmental issues, education and work, technology innovations, mental health, juvenile justice and substance use, extreme environments, and many other urban and global issues.

Research incorporates multiple goals

Research and scholarship at PSU accomplishes a variety of goals, feeding personal passions for knowledge, teaching principles of knowledge to students, advancing on new territories and new connections with colleagues in different disciplines, and making knowledge count on the ground by helping to shape new products and policies. The goals of research and scholarship at PSU comprise the following points.

• Use a full range of research and scholarly activities to inform, support, and facilitate the educational process.
• Encourage the intellectual passion of University members.
• Contribute to the development of disciplinary and interdisciplinary bodies of knowledge, particularly on issues that are germane to urban communities.
• Discover solutions in urban issues and concerns.
• Contribute to economic development and growth by generating new technologies and ideas.
• Use research and scholarship as a vehicle for educating students in the process of knowledge creation and utilization.
• Serve as a problem-solving resource to address issues, and improve conditions for a variety of communities.
• Serve as a financial resource to support students.

See the menu of links for more information on aspects of research and scholarship at PSU, including examples of current projects in various departments.