About Us
The Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center has been leading the field of prevention science since 1998, using research to create programs and inform policies that promote the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities.
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Transforming Science and Practice Through Partnerships
Prevention science plays a vital role in human health and well-being. The enormous benefits of prevention efforts – in terms of reduced economic burden and human suffering – are undeniable. Imagine a world in which future cases of gun violence, substance use disorder, and child maltreatment are stopped before they even begin.
In 1998, Mark Greenberg joined the faculty at Penn State and established the Prevention Research Center to focus on building and disseminating evidence-based solutions to prevent negative outcomes, including adolescent behavior problems, poor parenting, and academic failure. Early on, Mark identified a key partner in his efforts to build this internationally renowned research center: Edna Bennett Pierce. The impact of Edna’s early investment in the Center has multiplied over the years.
The Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center shares the College of Health and Human Development’s mission to enrich human well-being and strengthen intellectual, social, physical, economic, and emotional wellness. Our center is an intellectual hub, research engine, and springboard for programming around understanding the causes of social problems and building an evidence-base for their solutions.
Transforming Science and Practice Through Partnerships
Prevention science plays a vital role in human health and well-being. The enormous benefits of prevention efforts – in terms of reduced economic burden and human suffering – are undeniable. Imagine a world in which future cases of gun violence, substance use disorder, and child maltreatment are stopped before they even begin.
In 1998, Mark Greenberg joined the faculty at Penn State and established the Prevention Research Center to focus on building and disseminating evidence-based solutions to prevent negative outcomes, including adolescent behavior problems, poor parenting, and academic failure. Early on, Mark identified a key partner in his efforts to build this internationally renowned research center: Edna Bennett Pierce. The impact of Edna’s early investment in the Center has multiplied over the years.
The Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center shares the College of Health and Human Development’s mission to enrich human well-being and strengthen intellectual, social, physical, economic, and emotional wellness. Our center is an intellectual hub, research engine, and springboard for programming around understanding the causes of social problems and building an evidence-base for their solutions.
OUR VALUES
IMPACT
We forge new avenues to promote flourishing and prevent suffering.
COMPASSION
We care for each other as we promote the well-being of all people.
COLLABORATION
We unite people with diverse perspectives to create sustainable solutions.
CURIOSITY
We question the status quo and innovate to solve problems, while addressing the complexities of individuals, families and communities.
INTEGRITY
We serve our stakeholders with courage, honesty and scientific rigor.
Our Focus Areas
The future of prevention science will integrate advances made in technology and biomedical research; it will be sensitive to the changing needs of our population and the diversity among us; it will focus on promoting human flourishing; it will influence policymakers at all levels of the government; and it will continue to advance us toward an even brighter future.
Our Commitment to Diversity,
Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds and identities – within the PRC and also in our research, implementation, and outreach activities. In 2020, faculty and staff formed the Group to Reduce Racial Inequities in Prevention (GRRIP) to lead efforts in achieving these aims through activities like our Early Career Diversity Research Awards and our Annual Lecture on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Prevention Science and Practice.
