About Us

Through collaborative projects involving professors and students across various disciplines, the Immigrant and Refugee Research Institute (IRRI) has been able to conduct research within the Buffalo community using the guidance and input of local refugee leaders. Through the use of focus groups and community presentations, the IRRI has been able to implement a decision-making procedure that is able to account for the input of refugees residing in Buffalo throughout the research process.

The Immigrant and Refugee Research Institute is part of the University at Buffalo School of Social Work.

Aims of the Institute

To conduct research on issues to improve the welfare of immigrants and refugees by studying issues including health, mental health, behavioral health, poverty and immigration policy
To engage in research and service partnerships with community agencies through sharing and disseminating scholarship and community-based participatory research
To enhance the School of Social Work’s capacity to work with immigrant and refugee populations in respectful and productive ways
To build capacity within the immigrant and refugee community

Contact Us

Our Director and Affiliates

IRRI is run by Director Dr. Wooksoo Kim and supported by numerous faculty and student affiliates.

219 Parker Hall
180 Hayes Road
University at Buffalo, South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-8004

Email: sw-irri@buffalo.edu