The Louisville Center specializes in applied research, the application of prevention technology, educational technical assistance, program and system design, evaluation, dissemination, and diffusion.  Major areas of focus are alcohol, tobacco, and drug use intervention evaluation, prevention technology transfer, character education and civic engagement programs, school violence prevention and student safety, education and health research, HIV/STD and pregnancy prevention research, training outcome evaluation, organizational development, decision-making and risk assessment, state and community capacity-building research, and public safety.  Scientists collaborate with universities, federal, state and local community organizations and prevention practitioners to most effectively and efficiently apply collective resources to study, develop, test, disseminate, and diffuse innovative ideas, programs and initiatives that enhance the quality of life for individuals and communities.  The Center promotes international research, knowledge dissemination, and technology transfer within PIRE by engaging in cross-culture project work, developing a worldwide network of research partners and support services, and developing international funding sources and influential political contacts.  As a result of studies conducted in Peru, Brazil, Thailand, and Liberia, the Center has developed international expertise, multi-national and native research collaborators, and resources relating to cross-cultural and transnational research issues.  The Center has developed expertise in social policy experimental design, selection of appropriate prevention programs and methodology for international settings, development of instruments that are culturally appropriate, and advanced multivariate analysis.

Areas of Expertise

• International Research, specifically Training and Program Evaluation
• Randomized Community Trials
• ATOD Intervention and Environmental Strategies Evaluation
• Street Children Program Evaluation
• HIV/STD and Pregnancy Prevention, Interventions and Evaluation
• Sustainability Models and Application
• Safe and Drug Free School Program Evaluation
• CSAP SIG grants (evaluator for three state SIG awards)
• Criminal Justice including Corrections Research
• Decision-making and Risk Assessment
• Survey Research
• Advanced Multivariate Analysis
• Student Drug Testing
• State and community capacity-building research