Grand Challenges: Pandemic Readiness Initiative (PRI)
Summary:
Since 2020, the world has been impacted by a devastating pandemic, leaving millions of people dead. COVID-19 revealed failed communication, inequitable impacts, and the lack of a proactive and coordinated response that was evidence-based. The pandemic further revealed that, although system-level responses and resources are necessary, we also need to understand human behaviors in public health emergencies. Social and behavioral science research can provide this knowledge for action.
The new Pandemic Readiness Initiative (PRI) integrates a broad array of social and behavioral sciences to learn from COVID-19 and other disasters to better prepare for future public health emergencies. Our faculty are experts in public health and risk communication, health literacy, health equity, social media and other digital technologies, public opinion, cognitive processing of messages, disaster management, and cultural studies. Faculty use traditional quantitative and qualitative social science methods and cutting-edge data science techniques. Animated by core principles of health equity and community engagement, the team promotes educational opportunities for students, faculty, and practitioners across diverse fields.
Team Members:
 PI: Cynthia Baur (SPHL), Endowed Chair and Director, Horowitz Center for Health Literacy |
 PI: Brooke Fisher Liu (ARHU), Professor, Communication |
 Sandra Quinn (SPHL), Professor and Chair of the Department of Family Science |
 Stephen B. Thomas (SPHL), Professor, Health Policy and Management and Director, Center for Health Equity |
 Carina Zelaya (ARHU), Assistant Professor, Communication |
 Anita Atwell Seate (ARHU), Associate Professor, Communication |
 Christina Getrich (BSOS), Associate Professor, Anthropology |
 Ernesto Calvo (BSOS), Professor, Government and Politics |
 Michael Dougherty (BSOS), Chair and Professor, Psychology |
 Sarah Mcgrew (EDUC), Assistant Professor, Teaching and Learning, Policy, and Leadership |
 Naeemul Hassan (JOUR), Assistant Professor, Journalism |
 Cody Buntain (INFO), Assistant Professor, Information Studies |
 Beth St. Jean (INFO), Associate Professor, Information Studies |
Partnerships:
- Center for Health and Homeland Security, UMB
- Center for Health Security, Johns Hopkins University