Promoting social change and inspiring the next generation of leaders with research.

The UCI Blum Center for Poverty Alleviation believes in bringing together the expertise and exceptional research abilities found at this world-class university with the passion and energy of the students who form the leaders of tomorrow. We collaborate across disciplines with students, faculty and practitioners to rigorously explore systemic, geopolitical, technological and climate forces affecting poverty.

We’re passionate about our areas of expertise — the science and practice of compassion, the co-production of advanced computational modeling to mitigate flood risk, and the impacts of human trafficking and modern slavery — as well as our global partnerships addressing environmental peacebuilding and planetary health.

Our Work

We inspire the next generation of leaders and engage community stakeholders to use the power of compassion and empathy.

We utilize big-data to identify solutions to mitigate flood risk and foster peace and stability in flood-affected communities.

Through research about the economic impacts of human trafficking and slavery, we mobilize stakeholders and leaders.

For Students

We offer a range of experiential, curricular and mentorship opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.

The Global Service Scholars program offers immersive service opportunities with partner organizations.

Small Change, Better World offers mini-grants to for student-led projects addressing tangible needs.

Latest News & Research

Support that is Music to our Ears: $1.5million from The Drake Gives

Support that is Music to our Ears: $1.5million from The Drake Gives

We are thrilled and grateful to officially announce a new addition to our growing network of dedicated supporters! The Drake Gives, founded by Alec Glasser, donated $1.5 Million which will be used to support a new collaborative imitative: The Power of Music. Blum...

In the News: Disadvantaged Communities Suffer Flood Impacts Most

In the News: Disadvantaged Communities Suffer Flood Impacts Most

In the aftermath of early winter storms here in California, the Blum Center's own flood expert, Dr. Brett Sanders, talks about the disproportionate impact borne by disadvantaged communities in California during flood events. Read the full BBC article here.

In the News: Controlling Floods in a Warming Climate

In the News: Controlling Floods in a Warming Climate

Early February brought wet weather and flood warnings to California. In part, the deluge is influenced by the El Nino, but there are unique challenges when that influence is compounded by a warming climate. In a recent New York Times article, Blum Center flood and...

Support that is Music to our Ears: $1.5million from The Drake Gives

Support that is Music to our Ears: $1.5million from The Drake Gives

We are thrilled and grateful to officially announce a new addition to our growing network of dedicated supporters! The Drake Gives, founded by Alec Glasser, donated $1.5 Million which will be used to support a new collaborative imitative: The Power of Music. Blum...

“Climate Change is Cause for Alarm- Not Surrender”

“Climate Change is Cause for Alarm- Not Surrender”

Blum Center director, Richard Matthew, shared reflections on global collaboration for climate mitigation and the unique challenges and opportunities we currently face in this regard for the University of California Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation, of...

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