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T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion Empathy and Compassion
  1. Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion
  2. Centers
  3. Center for Empathy and Social Justice in Human Health

Center for Empathy and Social Justice
in Human Health


Mission

To build a resilient academic community and promote human flourishing by advancing empathy-centered research, fostering authentic connection, and driving compassionate action.

Key Goals

  • Center and Elevate Student Voice, Leadership, and Innovation
    Collaborate with students to identify and respond to community and campus needs, and expand initiatives grounded in empathy, compassion, and social justice that broaden access to science communication and research
  • Advance Empathy and Compassion-Centered Research and Best Practices
    Lead research on empathy, compassion, and belonging to advance academic success, drive systems change, and co-create strategies for connected learning across disciplines and identities
  • Foster a Culture Grounded in Collective Care and Continuous Growth
    Promote a culture of connection and shared responsibility by shaping institutional practices that prioritize well-being and support long-term community transformation and resilience

CESJHH Team Photo

Meet our Team

Learn more about our team members that make our empathy and compassion-based programming possible to support our overall campus and broader community. 

Meet the Team

Why it Matters

Through the advancement of empathy and compassion across UC San Diego, our Center fosters the creation of spaces that allow academic community members to flourish and grow. We are committed to studying the science behind empathy and compassion and are empowered by this research to leverage evidence-based interventions and programming that promote empathy and compassion on campus and strengthen interpersonal connections while improving individual well-being.

CHECK OUT OUR PREVIOUS Events and PROGRAMMING
To learn more about our flagship initiatives, navigate below to get involved with the Sanford Ambassador Hub, participate the Connected Leadership Training Program, and engage with the resources we have available through the Compassionate Resource Directory:

Sanford Ambassador Hub

A community for research, learning, and practice of empathy and compassion created to increase connection and well-being at UC San Diego.

LEARN MORE

Connected Leadership Training Program

A collaborative pilot program with the Center for Mindfulness to increase compassion in mentorship and a sense of belonging among students.

PARTICIPATE NOW

Compassionate Resource Directory

A campus-wide directory that frames and leverages existing resources to dynamically meet the diverse needs of our campus community.

NAVIGATE HERE

Get Involved with Us

In carrying out our work, we’ve come to understand that meaningful change begins with authentic connection  between faculty, staff, students, and the broader community. 

Through research, storytelling, and partnerships, CESJHH has seen how fostering empathy and centering lived experiences can help address loneliness and strengthen our shared sense of community. By getting involved, you join a collective effort to build a resilient campus culture rooted in care, growth, and mutual support.

Interested in engaging with the CESJHH?  

Contact Us Today

All programs and initiatives coordinated by the Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion's Center for Empathy and Social Justice in Human Health are designed and implemented in full compliance with Proposition 209 and the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy.

In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.

More information about Proposition 209 and the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.