Research Themes

The Social Research Center (SRC) at The American University in Cairo (AUC) is dedicated to advancing high-quality, interdisciplinary research that addresses critical social, economic, health, and development challenges in Egypt and the Arab region. Through its diverse research agenda, the Center generates scientific evidence that contributes to a deeper understanding of social inequalities, demographic transformations, economic opportunities, and the factors shaping human well-being and sustainable development.

Translating research into meaningful societal impact is central to SRC's mission. The Center places strong emphasis on ensuring that research findings extend beyond academic publications to inform public policies, institutional reforms, and practical development interventions. This policy-oriented approach has been strengthened through collaboration with key Egyptian institutions, including the National Council for Women, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Investment, the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, and the Ministry of Social Solidarity. These partnerships have supported research and policy initiatives addressing women's empowerment, health sector reform, child protection, investment conditions, and social protection programs.

SRC also plays an important role in strengthening research capacities and promoting regional and international knowledge exchange. Through research fellowships, training programs, collaborative studies, and the development of educational resources, the Center has contributed to building individual and institutional research capabilities. Its academic collaborations have included the American University of Beirut (AUB), Birzeit University in Palestine, Al-Azhar University, Damascus University, Emory University, the University of Michigan, and the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex. These collaborations have supported research in population and health, women's empowerment, family dynamics, and social development.

The Center's international engagement has also extended to organizations and research networks, including UN-Habitat, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Wellcome Trust, and the Ford Foundation. Its participation in international research partnerships has connected SRC with institutions such as the Center for Gender Studies and Advocacy at the University of Ghana, the Federal University of Bahia in Brazil, and Shirkat Gah in Pakistan, reinforcing its role in comparative research and international academic exchange.

By combining scientific excellence, policy engagement, capacity building, and regional and international collaboration, SRC strengthens the connection between academic knowledge and real-world development priorities. This integrated approach enables the Center to contribute to evidence-based decision-making, support institutional development, and advance more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable societies.

Building on this interdisciplinary and impact-oriented approach, SRC's research agenda is organized around six interconnected thematic areas. Together, these areas reflect the Center's commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges, generating policy-relevant evidence, and contributing to sustainable development in Egypt and across the Arab region. The following sections present each research area, highlighting its main focus, key research priorities, and potential contributions to society and public policy.