About Us

Through collaborative projects involving professors and students across various disciplines, the 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.

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/disseminating scholarship and community based participatory research.
  • To enhance the School’s capacity to work with immigrant and refugee populations in respectful and productive ways.
  • To build capacity within the immigrant and refugee community.

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

Contact Information

219 Parker Hall
University at Buffalo, South Campus
Buffalo, NY 14214-8004
Email: sw-irri@buffalo.edu