Integrated Network For Social Sustainability

The Integrated Network for Social Sustainability (INSS) is a National Science Foundation research coordination network with about 100 members in its start-up year. In the fragmented field of social sustainability (SS), the goals of the INSS are to clarify the concepts and expectations attached to SS and to articulate the extent to which decisions about it are subjective. Network subgoals include: (a) engagement in dialogue to better define and examine SS through case studies; (b) creation of a shared language around SS that can be used across professional sectors and can lead to more uniform assessment; and (c) creation of a set of guiding ideas and outcomes from the network activities. Subsequent network activities include developing materials for professional meeting workshops; creating an inventory of assessment tools; producing a handbook of course curricula; engaging the public in SS through art; and initiating a research agenda for funding.