The Center for Science and Society is a joint effort of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Science. The central purpose of the Center is to promote disciplinary and interdisciplinary research among College and University Faculty.

The primary goals of the Center are to examine: (a) the ways in which social structures (including cultural, educational, political, philosophical, and monetary/commercial systems) influence the organization and conduct of natural science; (b) the ways natural scientists communicate their findings to one another and to other audiences and how this information is used by various constituencies; (c) the ways science develops and interacts with its social contexts; and (d) the social, economic, ethical and environmental implications of natural scientific activity.

To the extent the Center is successful in accomplishing these goals, the Center will provide the institutional structure for a productive and innovative research environment among faculty and graduate students; will establish partnerships between colleges to explore the many intellectual and practical topics and questions associated with this area of scholarship; will establish research collaborations between CHSS, COS and other Mason faculty; and will secure sponsored program funding for faculty and graduate student projects. Focusing on these core activities will benefit the university as a whole as it furthers itself as a leader in the study of global issues and strengthens its programs in social sciences, humanities, and science.