AI is increasingly embedded in decision-making, education, healthcare and daily life. Research consistently highlights that the success and legitimacy of AI systems depend on human-centered design, ethical governance, trust and social context (Floridi et al., 2018; Shneiderman, 2020). This theme brings together technical, behavioral, ethical, educational and policy expertise to ensure that AI innovation is aligned with human-centered values and societal needs.

Good health is about more than what happens during a doctor’s visit. It is built in the places where we live, learn, and play. At VCU Convergence, we look at the whole picture. We study how our surroundings, our daily habits, and our social connections all work together to shape our well-being. By combining world-class research with the lived experiences of our neighbors, we are working to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.

Through our Mobile Health and Wellness Program, we take these insights directly into the community to provide care where it is needed most. Our goal is to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and daily life, ensuring that every person has the support and resources they need to thrive.

Mental health addresses many complex areas through integrative, transdisciplinary research and innovation. Recognizing the influence of social determinants, Convergence Mental Health uses a comprehensive framework that considers socioeconomic conditions, education and community context, alongside cultural and geographic factors emphasized in global mental health. Rather than solely treating a person’s individual mental health, the lab examines how biological regulation, relationships, institutions and social environments interact to shape well-being across the lifespan. This approach integrates place-based initiatives, neuroscience, behavioral science, data science and community-engaged practice. The initiative develops and evaluates scalable strategies that strengthen resilience, improves access to care. and supports participation in school, work and civic life.

Convergence Neurodegeneration supports and stimulates groundbreaking transdisciplinary research focused on preserving brain health relevant to aging and diseases, particularly on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Alzheimer’s disease-related dementias (ADRD). Alzheimer’s dementia is the only leading cause of death without established treatment and care guidelines. To address increasing AD/ADRD rates, preclinical stage AD/ADRD risk reduction needs to be fully explored and tested. Cognitive improvements seen across the AD/ADRD continuum indicate opportunities for intervention.  Convergence Neurodegeneration focuses on teaching, research, and service/community practices to raise awareness, test risk reduction interventions, and navigate brain health treatments and care services, with a pioneering focus on multiple etiological risk factor groups.  Convergence Neurodegeneration is also focused on etiological clusters that represent existing research strengths and expertise at VCU, specifically Aging/Gerontology, Cancer Survivorship, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Mental Health, Parkinson’s, Substance Abuse, Sustainability, and Brain Trauma.

Advances in neuroscience increasingly demonstrate the interconnectedness of brain function, mental health, aging, and neurodegenerative conditions. Integrative approaches that bridge basic neuroscience, clinical research, and community contexts are essential for progress in prevention, intervention, and care (Insel & Cuthbert, 2015; National Institute on Aging, 2020). Convergence Neuroscience aligns resources and expertise at VCU to support patient-focused discovery in neuroscience, as well as experiential and curriculum-based interdisciplinary learning, all of which elevate the VCU environment and our community more broadly.

Solving today’s biggest environmental challenges requires more than a single perspective; it requires collaboration across disciplines. VCU Convergence Sustainable is bringing together experts in science, policy, and community health to spark the new insights needed to navigate these "wicked" problems. Because these issues are too complex for any single solution, we unite diverse voices to explore practical strategies that protect our natural resources and build climate-resilient cities.

We are committed to moving these shared discoveries out of the lab and directly into our neighborhoods to test new ways of supporting long-term prosperity. Together, we are bridging the gap between disciplines to tackle the unfolding challenges of a more sustainable and resilient world.