Pitt's Public Impact

Pitt is an engaged partner in public problem solving

The University of Pittsburgh contributes to the well-being of Pennsylvania and communities beyond.

One of the ways the University does this is by being an engaged partner in public problem solving, mobilizing its teaching and research mission to work alongside communities, governments, and industry on complex, real-world challenges.

To share an Impact Activity, have a story told, or ask a question about Public Impact, contact Pitt External Relations at PublicImpact@pitt.edu. 

By the numbers
380
engagement and outreach activities in 2024 across the Commonwealth
2,500+
patients treated annually through the School of Dental Medicine’s Student Community Outreach Program and Education
1,000+
studies conducted by the University Center for Social & Urban Research that shaped policy and strengthened communities across Western Pennsylvania
pitt students in greensburg

Pitt-Greensburg is getting more K-12 teachers into rural schools

A steady college-to-classroom pipeline is helping to keep Pitt-Greensburg graduates in the area, teaching local kids.

Read more in Pittwire
More public problem solving
a hygienist cleans a patient's teeth at a clinic
Pitt bolsters Pennsylvania’s dental workforce with new Regional Training Centers

In Pennsylvania, more than 1.5 million residents live in areas facing a dental shortage.

Read more about Bradford
Read more about Titusville
two people observe tools at the healthy home lab
Step inside this innovative Pitt lab that looks a lot like your grandma’s house

The technology tested and developed in Pitt’s Healthy Home Lab is making it safer for older adults to age in place.

Read more in Pitt Magazine
drone image of downtown pittsburgh
Creating an epicenter of problem-solving engaged research

For more than 50 years, Pitt’s University Center for Social & Urban Research (UCSUR) has been a powerhouse of public insight. 

Explore UCSUR
Pennsylvania Robotics & Technology Fellowships provides support to small and medium-sized manufacturers and experiential learning opportunities

Working in small teams, graduate students connect with company representatives to address an immediate challenge or opportunity.

Explore PRTF
The Pittsburgh Study focuses on child and adolescent thriving and racial equity

With an expected timeline of twenty years, this is the largest community-partnered, intervention study to follow children over time.

Explore The Pittsburgh Study
One Health Day recognizes interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health

The second annual forum was part of an international event.

Read more
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center enhances access to and effective use of mainstream wireless technology for people with various disabilities

Technologies include smartphones, smart home devices, smart speakers, and wearables.

Explore RERC
Community Leadership and Innovation in Practice Center aims to advance pharmacy practice and the health of people

CLIP focuses on discovery, innovation, training, implementation, and collaboration.

Explore CLIP
Center for Analytical Approaches in Social Innovation integrates student’s desires for participation in social justice with their education

CAASI works with community organizations to identify needs that can be addressed by bringing together human-centered and analytical approaches.

Explore CAASI
Innovating for Public Impact is a hands-on, experiential course where student teams tackle real-world public sector challenges

The course emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, allowing students from any major to contribute their unique perspectives while gaining professional skills in problem-solving, communication, and project management. 

Explore IfPI
Pitt named Maternal Health Research Center of Excellence

Faculty are leading a new effort to develop and evaluate innovative approaches to promote maternal health and reduce pregnancy-related complications and death.

Read more
Institute for Learning is partnering with Pittsburgh Public Schools on ELA instruction

The project will impact approximately 1,700 students across 10 middle schools.

Read more
A Pitt-Bradford conference taught students to recognize signs of human trafficking

Nursing, criminal justice and computer information systems majors heard panelist perspectives on building awareness and strengthening community responses to trafficking.

Read more
Graduate students complete consulting projects for area nonprofits

The Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership's Nonprofit Clinic has served over 150 nonprofit clients in the last 12 years. 

Explore the Nonprofit Clinic
Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy fosters public education and civic action

Established in 2007, the forum looks at important public policy issues, building on the late Governor Dick Thornburgh’s legacy by creating a framework for advancing his vision of creating effective and principled governance.

Learn about the forum

Ready to work together? Start with these collaborators

University Center for Social and Urban Research
Office of Engagement and Community Affairs
Institute of Politics
Center for Applied Research at Pitt-Greensburg
Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory
Explore these collaborators and more