GRITS: Generating Research, Ideas, and Transformative Scholarship

At the Appalachian Justice Research Center, we have what it takes to answer the call from our communities to help solve the most pressing issues in our region: We've got GRIT. The students, scholars, and community members who work with the AJRC dare to tackle problems others have deemed 'intractable' and are producing accessible research, rooted in what Appalachians tell us they need: a legal resource guide, data to inform policy decisions, a tool for violence intervention, or an archive for stories that might otherwise be lost.

The AJRC is proud to share our research from the past year at our second annual GRITS: Generating Research, Ideas, and Transformative Scholarship, a unique gallery-style showcase of research conducted with and for Appalachian communities. GRITS isn't a traditional research presentation: Our goal is to create a fun, accessible way to engage with the transformative research being produced by the AJRC's transdisciplinary teams. At GRITS, visit 'research stations' to meet the teams behind the work and get a hands-on look at projects about the land, our health and safety, and the stability of Appalachian communities.

Join us on Friday, April 24th, 2026, anytime between 6:00-8:00PM, and enjoy light appetizers as you peruse the projects at your own pace.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Knoxville.