A new platform is available to streamline the process of building connections and identifying research collaboration opportunities among Nebraska faculty in the social, behavioral and educational sciences.

The Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools has launched the CYFS Research Network, an online hub that makes it easier to connect with diverse researchers, discover their expertise and explore their work.

The website allows users to search for interdisciplinary faculty from across all four University of Nebraska campuses with expertise in five primary research themes:

• Academic intervention and learning
• Early education and development
• Psychosocial development and social-emotional learning
• Research and evaluation methods
• Rural education and communities

The network includes more than 90 CYFS research affiliates — faculty representing over 20 academic departments across the NU system whose work significantly contributes to Nebraska’s vibrant research community in the social, behavioral and educational sciences.

“Research affiliates represent faculty with diverse backgrounds and disciplines whose work is advancing learning and development,” said Susan Sheridan, CYFS director. “Their work is integral to helping us achieve our mission to impact lives in Nebraska and around the globe.”

The network can be searched by researcher name, research theme, campus, projects housed within CYFS and more.

In addition to simplifying the collaboration process, the network also makes researchers and their work highly accessible to stakeholders, including practitioners and policymakers.

The Nebraska Department of Education’s Steve Milliken, interim deputy commissioner and director of special education, reiterated the network’s value for research in Nebraska.

“Our special education team looks forward to using this resource as we continue to build collaborative partnerships with faculty members whose expertise aligns with the NDE’s focus areas and priorities,” said Milliken. “Research and collaboration are cornerstones for improving outcomes for all children, youth and their families in our state, and particularly those students with disabilities.”

A common thread among the diverse faculty and work featured in the CYFS Research Network is the drive to positively impact people’s lives, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

“By offering a tool that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and leverages the research established in CYFS, we can more readily develop solutions to the critical challenges facing children, youth, families and communities — regardless of background, ability and economic status — and help ensure they have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential,” Sheridan said.