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
Flood Hazards
We utilize big-data to identify solutions to mitigate flood risk and foster peace and stability in flood-affected communities.
Human Trafficking
Through research about the economic impacts of human trafficking and slavery, we mobilize stakeholders and leaders.
For Students
Opportunities
We offer a range of experiential, curricular and mentorship opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students.
Global Service Scholars
The Global Service Scholars program offers immersive service opportunities with partner organizations.
Small Change, Better World
Small Change, Better World offers mini-grants to for student-led projects addressing tangible needs.
Latest News & Research
Freedom Lifemap Tool Spotight
Business Wire recently spotlighted the Freedom Lifemap tool developed through a partnership between EverFree and the UCI Blum Center, along with a network of survivors from around the world to address gaps in data and after care services for survivors of human...
Sand Goes where Rivers Flow- Sanders on California’s Infrastructure Problem
Elected officials and experts recently gathered to discuss California's beach problem - the coastline is threatened by climate change, sea level rise, and erosions. Another major factor in our coastal woes - poor infrastructure design, says Blum Center flood and...
Sanders – Healthy Ecosystems Might Require Sand Nourishment
Blum Center flood and erosion expert, Dr. Brett Sanders spoke on several, perhaps lesser publicly understood influences on California beaches. He highlighted the role of rivers in providing sediment to beaches - if sediment which would have naturally eroded and flowed...
“Post-Conflict Peacebuilding and Sustainable Development” – Director Matthew Co-Authors Chapter in New UNEP Report on Digital Technology in Environmental Peacebuilding Efforts
Last week, the UN Environmental Programme and the Environmental Peacebuilding Association released their latest technical report, "Digital Technologies for Environmental Peacebuilding: Horizon scanning of opportunities & risks" which aims to better understand and...
The Power of Music and Youth as Changemakers
Recently, the Blum Center was visited by two of our partners on the new Power of Music initiative, award winning filmmakers Michael Uwemedimo of Collaborative Media Advocacy Platform in Nigeria and Petna Ndaliko Katondolo of Yole!Africa in the Democratic Republic of...
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...
Compassion Initiative
We inspire the next generation of leaders and engage community stakeholders to use the power of compassion and empathy.