Research Centers and Initiatives
The Bloustein School is host to several nationally recognized research centers and collaborative programs, established by the University’s Board of Governors. These specialized centers carry out large-scale projects and are supported by external funding, which maximize the school’s ability to perform in-depth research; extend its activities beyond the classroom through public service; and provide students with the opportunity to develop professional skills and experience.
The school serves as an intellectual focal point at Rutgers University for the examination of societal problems and solutions. Research undertakings are governed by a strong commitment to quality through the use of sound social science theory and methods and to full dissemination of results and peer review of findings. Research is carried out on a wide variety of challenging topics.
Many of these centers offer continuing education and training programs for government officials, nonprofit leaders, and career professionals, enabling the school to broaden its outreach endeavors.
Students at the Bloustein School have the opportunity to conduct hands-on research through appointments as researchers employed by the school’s centers and initiatives in such areas as community development, transportation, health, workforce development, green building and energy policy, and state and municipal government activities.
Featured Research
Research Brief: Current, Future Coastal Flood Inundation of NJ Roadways
A new research brief by Jonathan Delura, Senior Research Specialist, Center for Urban Policy Research for the New Jersey Climate Change Research Center details a novel approach for estimating the extent and depth of roadway inundation using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) derived roadway surface elevations. A desktop analysis was conducted utilizing this approach to provide a first order assessment of coastal flooding impacts under current and future flood scenarios for New Jersey.
Smart and Von Hagen Discuss Safety Challenges of “Stroads” Using Route 1 as Example
According to Smart, that creates a design problem.
“Everything about it tells you you should drive fast,” he said. “It looks like a highway. But you also have a lot of driveways, so you’re driving very fast and braking very often.”
Report Release: R/ECON Forecast Summer 2026
The Garden State’s economic outlook for Summer 2026 presents a picture of tempered growth and a labor market that, while stabilizing, remains under pressure. The state closed out 2025 with solid GDP growth but is expected to ease to considerably to 0.9% in both 2026 and 2027, roughly a full percentage point below the national levels.
Bulger et al. Release 2026 Update to Historical Timelines of Climate Change Mitigation
This report provides a 2026 update of historical timelines with respect to New Jersey’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., climate change mitigation) as well as reduce its vulnerability to climate change impacts (i.e., climate change adaptation).
Safe Driving for Life: Mature Drivers Resource Center
The Mature Drivers Resource Center, an initiative of the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center, provides resources and training on safe driving techniques for mature drivers, guidance for starting the conversation when an older driver needs to limit or stop driving, and mobility options for those who have stepped away from driving.
Addressing Homelessness: A Comparative Analysis of State Policies, Funding, and Responses
This report was developed for the NJ Coalition to End Homelessness (NJCEH) as part of a Rutgers University — New Brunswick Master of Public Policy Practicum to examine how New Jersey compares to selected peer states in allocating and structuring state funding for homeless services, responding to federal funding changes, and addressing issues related to the criminalization of homelessness.
Research Centers
