Our researchers use innovative, scientific methods to better understand substance use, mental health problems, problem behaviors, and other issues that negatively impact society. We have been studying the mechanisms of risk and protection in child, adolescent, and young adult development for more than two decades. By charting the developmental course of a problem, we identify potential underlying causes and malleable individual, family, school, and community factors that contribute to its emergence.

A national leader in prevention science and a trusted partner of funding agencies like the National Institute on Drug Abuse, we hold vast data sets from over 20 years of rigorous research. Our longitudinal studies shed light on the developmental course of issues that impact human health and well-being and the long-term effects of prevention programming.

Our studies also monitor social trends and emerging problems such as vaping and other novel substance abuse behaviors. Our ongoing research provides a solid foundation for new evidence-based programming and guides adaptations to existing interventions.