Impact Institute at Northwestern University
@impactinstitute.bsky.social
Northwestern University institute conducting research on the health of LGBTQ populations. Formerly the Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing (ISGMH).
impact-institute.northwestern.edu
impact-institute.northwestern.edu
🚨 We’re hiring! 🚨
Check our website for several currently open staff, faculty, and postdoctoral positions: buff.ly/NwKJ9jB
Check our website for several currently open staff, faculty, and postdoctoral positions: buff.ly/NwKJ9jB
November 6, 2025 at 8:09 PM
🚨 We’re hiring! 🚨
Check our website for several currently open staff, faculty, and postdoctoral positions: buff.ly/NwKJ9jB
Check our website for several currently open staff, faculty, and postdoctoral positions: buff.ly/NwKJ9jB
Reposted by Impact Institute at Northwestern University
My lab hosted a Halloween crafting party for our research institute @impactinstitute.bsky.social yesterday. So much fun. Grateful to my team for making this happen and for everyone who showed up!!
October 23, 2025 at 5:16 PM
My lab hosted a Halloween crafting party for our research institute @impactinstitute.bsky.social yesterday. So much fun. Grateful to my team for making this happen and for everyone who showed up!!
Reposted by Impact Institute at Northwestern University
A huge congrats to the Network Canvas team on receiving the 2025 Richards award 🎉
Their free and open-source program allows researchers to easily design, capture, and export network data. networkcanvas.com (photo by Network Canvas)
Their free and open-source program allows researchers to easily design, capture, and export network data. networkcanvas.com (photo by Network Canvas)
June 30, 2025 at 7:57 PM
A huge congrats to the Network Canvas team on receiving the 2025 Richards award 🎉
Their free and open-source program allows researchers to easily design, capture, and export network data. networkcanvas.com (photo by Network Canvas)
Their free and open-source program allows researchers to easily design, capture, and export network data. networkcanvas.com (photo by Network Canvas)
Visit the Impact Institute at Chicago Pride Fest this weekend!
Stop by our table from 10am - 6pm on Saturday and Sunday to meet our fabulous staff, learn about health research on LGBTQ populations, and participate in some fun activities.
northalsted.com/main-events/...
Stop by our table from 10am - 6pm on Saturday and Sunday to meet our fabulous staff, learn about health research on LGBTQ populations, and participate in some fun activities.
northalsted.com/main-events/...
June 20, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Visit the Impact Institute at Chicago Pride Fest this weekend!
Stop by our table from 10am - 6pm on Saturday and Sunday to meet our fabulous staff, learn about health research on LGBTQ populations, and participate in some fun activities.
northalsted.com/main-events/...
Stop by our table from 10am - 6pm on Saturday and Sunday to meet our fabulous staff, learn about health research on LGBTQ populations, and participate in some fun activities.
northalsted.com/main-events/...
Reposted by Impact Institute at Northwestern University
🎨 Calling all health researchers!
Tired of confusing graphs, chaotic slides, and posters no one reads? 📊📈📉
💡Join us for “Visualizing Health Research” — a hands-on workshop that will give you a toolbox 🧰 to level up your design game. 🧵👇
🧠 Email MSS_education@northwestern.edu to get on email list.
Tired of confusing graphs, chaotic slides, and posters no one reads? 📊📈📉
💡Join us for “Visualizing Health Research” — a hands-on workshop that will give you a toolbox 🧰 to level up your design game. 🧵👇
🧠 Email MSS_education@northwestern.edu to get on email list.
June 18, 2025 at 1:07 PM
🎨 Calling all health researchers!
Tired of confusing graphs, chaotic slides, and posters no one reads? 📊📈📉
💡Join us for “Visualizing Health Research” — a hands-on workshop that will give you a toolbox 🧰 to level up your design game. 🧵👇
🧠 Email MSS_education@northwestern.edu to get on email list.
Tired of confusing graphs, chaotic slides, and posters no one reads? 📊📈📉
💡Join us for “Visualizing Health Research” — a hands-on workshop that will give you a toolbox 🧰 to level up your design game. 🧵👇
🧠 Email MSS_education@northwestern.edu to get on email list.
Introducing the Impact Institute, formerly known as the Institute for Sexual and General Minority Health and Wellbeing (ISGMH)!
The name Impact Institute is a nod to one of our first programs researching the health of #LGBTQ populations.
The name Impact Institute is a nod to one of our first programs researching the health of #LGBTQ populations.
June 20, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Introducing the Impact Institute, formerly known as the Institute for Sexual and General Minority Health and Wellbeing (ISGMH)!
The name Impact Institute is a nod to one of our first programs researching the health of #LGBTQ populations.
The name Impact Institute is a nod to one of our first programs researching the health of #LGBTQ populations.
“We’re at this formative moment where there is now a community of scientists ready to apply their skills to the health of #LGBTQ Americans and are having their work decimated by NIH cuts. These cuts are unprecedented,” institute director @mustanski.bsky.social tells PBS.
youtu.be/cKcRrcURqRU?...
youtu.be/cKcRrcURqRU?...
PBS News Weekend live episode, June 7, 2025
YouTube video by PBS NewsHour
youtu.be
June 9, 2025 at 2:33 PM
“We’re at this formative moment where there is now a community of scientists ready to apply their skills to the health of #LGBTQ Americans and are having their work decimated by NIH cuts. These cuts are unprecedented,” institute director @mustanski.bsky.social tells PBS.
youtu.be/cKcRrcURqRU?...
youtu.be/cKcRrcURqRU?...
Join ISGMH on May 22 for our annual Postdoctoral Fellow Showcase!
This year’s event features exciting LGBTQ health research presentations from 5 postdocs: Emily Esposito, John Guigayoma, @tim-levengood.bsky.social, @jonathanlpzmts.bsky.social, and Mariajosé Paton.
Register today: buff.ly/rUSA6Yh
This year’s event features exciting LGBTQ health research presentations from 5 postdocs: Emily Esposito, John Guigayoma, @tim-levengood.bsky.social, @jonathanlpzmts.bsky.social, and Mariajosé Paton.
Register today: buff.ly/rUSA6Yh
May 15, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Join ISGMH on May 22 for our annual Postdoctoral Fellow Showcase!
This year’s event features exciting LGBTQ health research presentations from 5 postdocs: Emily Esposito, John Guigayoma, @tim-levengood.bsky.social, @jonathanlpzmts.bsky.social, and Mariajosé Paton.
Register today: buff.ly/rUSA6Yh
This year’s event features exciting LGBTQ health research presentations from 5 postdocs: Emily Esposito, John Guigayoma, @tim-levengood.bsky.social, @jonathanlpzmts.bsky.social, and Mariajosé Paton.
Register today: buff.ly/rUSA6Yh
Exposure to conversion therapy is associated with high blood pressure and increased systemic inflammation, according to a new paper from Northwestern researchers @jameskgibb.bsky.social, @mustanski.bsky.social, et al.
Attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender can hurt their heart. Literally.
Conversion therapy increases risk of high blood pressure
Attempts to change a person's sexual orientation or gender can hurt their heart. Literally.
buff.ly
May 12, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Exposure to conversion therapy is associated with high blood pressure and increased systemic inflammation, according to a new paper from Northwestern researchers @jameskgibb.bsky.social, @mustanski.bsky.social, et al.
Reposted by Impact Institute at Northwestern University
The Supreme Court has decided to hear a case challenging local and state laws banning so-called “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ youth. Our new study in
@JAMANetworkOpen
is first to show these discredited practices increase risk for later heart disease. Free article: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
@JAMANetworkOpen
is first to show these discredited practices increase risk for later heart disease. Free article: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Conversion Therapy Exposure and Elevated Cardiovascular Disease Risk
This cohort study assesses whether exposure to sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts is associated with cardiovascular disease risk in sexual and gender minority young adults assigned ...
jamanetwork.com
May 7, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The Supreme Court has decided to hear a case challenging local and state laws banning so-called “conversion therapy” for LGBTQ youth. Our new study in
@JAMANetworkOpen
is first to show these discredited practices increase risk for later heart disease. Free article: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
@JAMANetworkOpen
is first to show these discredited practices increase risk for later heart disease. Free article: jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
Reposted by Impact Institute at Northwestern University
The Trump administration has scrapped more than $800 million worth of research into the health of LGBTQ people, abandoning studies of cancers and viruses that tend to affect members of sexual minority groups, according to an analysis of federal data by The New York Times.
Trump Administration Slashes Research Into L.G.B.T.Q. Health
Nearly half of the N.I.H. grants canceled through early May — together worth more than $800 million — addressed the health of sexual and gender minority groups, The Times found.
www.nytimes.com
May 4, 2025 at 4:54 PM
The Trump administration has scrapped more than $800 million worth of research into the health of LGBTQ people, abandoning studies of cancers and viruses that tend to affect members of sexual minority groups, according to an analysis of federal data by The New York Times.
Reposted by Impact Institute at Northwestern University
Cancer mortality rates have been dropping because of NIH and NCI funded research to Universities. Without it there would be no new cancer treatments that save lives.
April 22, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Cancer mortality rates have been dropping because of NIH and NCI funded research to Universities. Without it there would be no new cancer treatments that save lives.
ISGMH Prof. “Michelle Birkett’s $3.8 million grant was ended in the first of its five years. The funding was awarded to understand — and ultimately address — disparities in HIV transmission and substance use among gay men and transgender women,” reports @bloomberg.com.
NIH Grant Cuts Aren't Saving Money. They're Wasting It.
The Trump administration says the canceled funding is about cost efficiency, but data shows that the opposite is happening.
www.bloomberg.com
April 21, 2025 at 3:27 PM
ISGMH Prof. “Michelle Birkett’s $3.8 million grant was ended in the first of its five years. The funding was awarded to understand — and ultimately address — disparities in HIV transmission and substance use among gay men and transgender women,” reports @bloomberg.com.
Reposted by Impact Institute at Northwestern University
120 scientist working together to study how to effectively implement programs to end the HIV epidemic! That’s epic!
🚨 New JAIDS supplemental issue published today!
Coordinated by ISCI, this supplemental issue examines 120 NIH-funded projects aimed at ending the #HIV epidemic, sharing key findings and highlighting strategies for success.
Read it now: tinyurl.com/4jb2fmbt
Coordinated by ISCI, this supplemental issue examines 120 NIH-funded projects aimed at ending the #HIV epidemic, sharing key findings and highlighting strategies for success.
Read it now: tinyurl.com/4jb2fmbt
April 3, 2025 at 5:30 AM
120 scientist working together to study how to effectively implement programs to end the HIV epidemic! That’s epic!
"We are on the precipice of being able to end HIV in our country," ISGMH's @mustanski.bsky.social tells @axios.com.
"We have the tools to solve it, ... but if we back off that, if we take our foot off the pedal, we will have more #HIV cases in the United States." www.axios.com/local/chicag...
"We have the tools to solve it, ... but if we back off that, if we take our foot off the pedal, we will have more #HIV cases in the United States." www.axios.com/local/chicag...
"We will have more HIV cases": Chicago researcher discusses NIH cuts
Leading LGBTQ+ researcher says Trump administration funding cuts could have widespread impact.
www.axios.com
April 18, 2025 at 6:46 PM
"We are on the precipice of being able to end HIV in our country," ISGMH's @mustanski.bsky.social tells @axios.com.
"We have the tools to solve it, ... but if we back off that, if we take our foot off the pedal, we will have more #HIV cases in the United States." www.axios.com/local/chicag...
"We have the tools to solve it, ... but if we back off that, if we take our foot off the pedal, we will have more #HIV cases in the United States." www.axios.com/local/chicag...
Our new ADVOCATE Center improves healthcare and health equity for LGBTQIA+ people and people living with HIV through research, practice, and policy.
“We’re gonna keep the lights on and keep doing good work,” center co-director Dr. Sumanas Jordan told @thedailynu.bsky.social. buff.ly/YJr3giK
“We’re gonna keep the lights on and keep doing good work,” center co-director Dr. Sumanas Jordan told @thedailynu.bsky.social. buff.ly/YJr3giK
ADVOCATE researches healthcare inequalities for LGBTQ+ people
Northwestern’s ADVOCATE Center, a learning health system for improving health equity for LGBTQ+ patients and people with HIV, first launched in March, expanding upon their program that began in 2022. ...
dailynorthwestern.com
April 14, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Our new ADVOCATE Center improves healthcare and health equity for LGBTQIA+ people and people living with HIV through research, practice, and policy.
“We’re gonna keep the lights on and keep doing good work,” center co-director Dr. Sumanas Jordan told @thedailynu.bsky.social. buff.ly/YJr3giK
“We’re gonna keep the lights on and keep doing good work,” center co-director Dr. Sumanas Jordan told @thedailynu.bsky.social. buff.ly/YJr3giK
Reposted by Impact Institute at Northwestern University
The NIH has canceled more than 270 grants, totaling at least $125 million, focused on LGBTQ health in recent weeks.
Trump administration axes more than $125M in LGBTQ health funding, upending research field
The administration’s cancellation of hundreds of grants is dismantling the LGBTQ-focused research field, built out of nothing over a quarter century.
nbcnews.to
April 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
The NIH has canceled more than 270 grants, totaling at least $125 million, focused on LGBTQ health in recent weeks.
In the past month, the NIH terminated many ISGMH grants focused on HIV prevention, LGBTQ health, and training early career scholars. The effect on our institute has been devastating.
Director @mustanski.bsky.social spoke to @nbcnews.com about the impact. www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-...
Director @mustanski.bsky.social spoke to @nbcnews.com about the impact. www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-...
Trump administration axes more than $125M in LGBTQ health funding, upending research field
The administration’s cancellation of hundreds of grants is dismantling the LGBTQ-focused research field, built out of nothing over a quarter century.
www.nbcnews.com
April 3, 2025 at 4:44 PM
In the past month, the NIH terminated many ISGMH grants focused on HIV prevention, LGBTQ health, and training early career scholars. The effect on our institute has been devastating.
Director @mustanski.bsky.social spoke to @nbcnews.com about the impact. www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-...
Director @mustanski.bsky.social spoke to @nbcnews.com about the impact. www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-...
Join ISGMH as we celebrate the launch of our new ADVOCATE Center on Monday, March 31!
RSVP today: buff.ly/cnLKzUW
RSVP today: buff.ly/cnLKzUW
March 28, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Join ISGMH as we celebrate the launch of our new ADVOCATE Center on Monday, March 31!
RSVP today: buff.ly/cnLKzUW
RSVP today: buff.ly/cnLKzUW
Reposted by Impact Institute at Northwestern University
Congrats to Joli Robinson, @centeronhalsted.bsky.social & alithia zamantakis, Ph.D. @nufeinbergmss.bsky.social @isgmh.bsky.social on ARCC Partnership Development Grant: Building Capacity for a Community Based Research Partnership for LGBTQ Health and Wellbeing!
March 6, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Congrats to Joli Robinson, @centeronhalsted.bsky.social & alithia zamantakis, Ph.D. @nufeinbergmss.bsky.social @isgmh.bsky.social on ARCC Partnership Development Grant: Building Capacity for a Community Based Research Partnership for LGBTQ Health and Wellbeing!
The HIV Implementation Science Coordination Initiative (ISCI) at Northwestern is now hiring an experienced Project Director to help drive impactful implementation science research in a collaborative environment.
Position details: buff.ly/3XcCgvX
Position details: buff.ly/3XcCgvX
February 21, 2025 at 9:19 PM
The HIV Implementation Science Coordination Initiative (ISCI) at Northwestern is now hiring an experienced Project Director to help drive impactful implementation science research in a collaborative environment.
Position details: buff.ly/3XcCgvX
Position details: buff.ly/3XcCgvX
“Stigma against PrEP is shaped by homophobia, racism and transphobia, and a moral argument about who deserves to have sex and who does not,” ISGMH's alithia zamantakis tells @usatoday.com about the HIV prevention medication.
The Supreme Court may hinder access to this HIV prevention, gay sex drug. Why?
The only way to combat stigma around sex and HIV is to strive for common ground and understanding.
www.usatoday.com
February 5, 2025 at 7:01 PM
“Stigma against PrEP is shaped by homophobia, racism and transphobia, and a moral argument about who deserves to have sex and who does not,” ISGMH's alithia zamantakis tells @usatoday.com about the HIV prevention medication.
Reposted by Impact Institute at Northwestern University
Alumnus Jonathan López Matos explains how his Ph.D. in Psychology helped him reach his dreams of becoming a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University’s Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing @isgmh.bsky.social www.gc.cuny.edu/news/grad-tu...
A Grad Turns Research Into Real Change for LGBTQ+ Health
Jonathan López Matos realizes a childhood ambition as an NIH-funded postdoctoral scholar at Northwestern University.
www.gc.cuny.edu
February 5, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Alumnus Jonathan López Matos explains how his Ph.D. in Psychology helped him reach his dreams of becoming a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University’s Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing @isgmh.bsky.social www.gc.cuny.edu/news/grad-tu...
ISGMH’s alithia zamantakis will appear on @wttw.bsky.social this evening to discuss the impact of recent executive orders on transgender individuals.
Tune in to "Chicago Tonight" at 5:30pm CT: news.wttw.com/content/chic...
Tune in to "Chicago Tonight" at 5:30pm CT: news.wttw.com/content/chic...
Chicago Tonight Watch/Listen Live | Chicago News | WTTW
Watch and listen to Chicago Tonight live on your mobile device, streaming to your smart TV, or on your computer.
news.wttw.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:21 PM
ISGMH’s alithia zamantakis will appear on @wttw.bsky.social this evening to discuss the impact of recent executive orders on transgender individuals.
Tune in to "Chicago Tonight" at 5:30pm CT: news.wttw.com/content/chic...
Tune in to "Chicago Tonight" at 5:30pm CT: news.wttw.com/content/chic...
TOMORROW, join the Northwestern Prison Education Program for a virtual panel on LGBTQIA+ populations and the criminal legal system featuring ISGMH’s Gregory Phillips II.
The panel starts at 6pm CT here: bit.ly/npepjusticefellows
The panel starts at 6pm CT here: bit.ly/npepjusticefellows
January 13, 2025 at 6:58 PM
TOMORROW, join the Northwestern Prison Education Program for a virtual panel on LGBTQIA+ populations and the criminal legal system featuring ISGMH’s Gregory Phillips II.
The panel starts at 6pm CT here: bit.ly/npepjusticefellows
The panel starts at 6pm CT here: bit.ly/npepjusticefellows