Social Sciences

News about UB’s social sciences programs, including anthropology, psychology and social work. (see all topics)

‘Come together,’ right now: UB study shows why live music benefits well-being
2/26/26
The effects are not derived entirely from what the musicians give to the audience, but also what the audience unwittingly shares amongst themselves.
Enrollment in AI-focused degrees surges at University at Buffalo
2/19/26
New Department of AI and Society, funded by a $5 million state grant, pairs AI with communication, geospatial analysis and other disciplines.
Mitchell Lecture to address populist alliances in an authoritarian era
2/10/26
Philosopher Elizabeth Anderson will deliver a lecture on Feb. 27 titled ‘The Protestant Work Ethic and the Roots of Populist Authoritarianism.’
Study highlights link between hostile racism and suicide risk in young Black adults
1/13/26
Work suggests that hostile racism associated with a 15% increase in suicide ideation, and 13% increase in suicide attempts.
2025: A look back at UB’s research and creative activities
12/18/25
From bird flu vaccines to Grammy-winning musical compositions, UB scholars are dedicated to creating a safer, healthier and brighter future.
Researchers say funding is critical to understanding the effects of social media
12/17/25
Potential federal policy changes could limit the funding required to study outcomes that vary greatly across gender, socio-economic status and demographics.
Those helping the homeless are hurting too, according to study
11/19/25
Paper by UB researcher links homeless services workers’ burnout to adverse childhood experiences.
Study links climate anxiety to social media use
10/30/25
Climate doom, the belief that climate change will cause societal breakdowns, predicts support for radical actions, according to study.
UB expert Phillips Stevens explains why magic and witchcraft are inherently human
10/7/25
Anthropologist joins Driven to Discover podcast to discuss how belief in the supernatural is a survival strategy.
UB’s BioSCape project receives NASA award, will be subject of doc at Buffalo film festival
9/24/25
Multinational research effort mapped South Africa’s biodiversity from the air.