By The Numbers
Who We Are
UK Innovate's Social Innovation helps turn your ideas into meaningful impact. Innovation isn’t just about new technology or business models—it’s about solving real challenges that shape our communities. Whether tackling social injustice, education inequity, health disparities, hunger, climate change or the wealth gap, we support innovators dedicated to creating lasting change in Kentucky and beyond.
GROWING THROUGH SOCIAL INNOVATION WEBINAR SERIES
Growing Through Social Innovation is a three-part webinar series exploring the multifaceted world of social innovation, with insights from global experts. Each session delves into key aspects of the field, from understanding the core concepts to navigating the challenges and opportunities it presents.
A Letter from Dr. Serenity Wright
Social innovation is more than just an idea—it’s a commitment to creating sustainable solutions that address our most pressing societal challenges. At the University of Kentucky, we believe that innovation isn’t confined to laboratories or boardrooms; it happens when communities, researchers, and changemakers come together to drive meaningful impact.
Through collaboration, translational research, and strategic partnerships, social innovation transforms ideas into action, empowering individuals and organizations to tackle issues like health disparities, education inequity, economic development, and social justice. By bridging research with real-world application, we ensure that innovation serves not just industry but the broader public good.
At UK Innovate, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive ecosystem where innovation thrives, community voices are valued, and ideas become solutions that create lasting change. Whether you're a researcher, entrepreneur, student, or community leader, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of social innovation.
Together, we can turn vision into impact.
Dr. Serenity Wright
Senior Associate Director, UK Innovate
Spotlight: Michaela Keener
Meet Michaela Keener, assistant professor in the UK College of Health Sciences. Michaela shares her work on The Graham, an interactive digital health system designed to enhance access to care for equestrians. Her research has received funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and University of Cincinnati.
