Our mission
We address the systemic and structural barriers that create disparities in adolescent sexual and reproductive health.
our vision
We envision a world in which all young people emerge into adulthood with agency over their bodies and futures.
About Ci3
Founded in 2012 by Melissa Gilliam, MD, MPH, the Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health (Ci3) is an award-winning research center at the University of Chicago that takes an asset-based approach to understand and address the social and structural determinants of adolescent sexual and reproductive health. We are committed to empowering young people, conducting innovative research, and uncovering opportunities for policy and systemic change.
What We Do
Ci3 houses three labs: the Game Changer Chicago Design Lab, the Transmedia Story Lab, and the Design Thinking Lab. We create scalable interventions that can be implemented locally, nationally, and internationally.
Our Methods Include:
Games
We create games as educational tools to improve health and wellbeing, encourage entry into STEM and health careers, and engage in critical social issues.
Storytelling
We use storytelling to learn how young people understand their lives and their sexual and reproductive health.
Design
We use human-centered design to collaborate with adolescents and health care providers to improve sexual and reproductive health.
communications
We translate and disseminate Ci3’s findings, methods, and resources to a variety of stakeholders through multiple communication channels.
Research
We conduct research to learn how to meet the needs of young people, test our approaches, and evaluate our interventions.
Policy
We leverage evidence-based research to influence policy, systems, and practice to improve access to sexual and reproductive healthcare.
Our Core Values:
Health
We dedicate ourselves to promoting sexual and reproductive health and well-being, and working to ensure that all young people have access to related information and care.
Justice
We strive for all young people to have equitable access to high quality health information and care, regardless of their social, economic, or cultural background.
Creativity
We encourage innovation, adaptability, and flexibility in our work, which is designed to appeal to and engage our primary audience of young people.
Excellence
We commit to rigorous methodology and develop high-quality outcomes for the young people we serve.
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest professional and ethical standards, adhering to responsible research practices and communicating openly and honestly with our partners.
Inclusivity
We collaborate with young people and partners from various backgrounds to develop accessible methods for all people.