The Department of Planning, Policy and Design's unique mission at UC Irvine is to teach and undertake scholarship and community service at the intersection of three distinct areas: the natural environment, the built environment (including community design), and public policy implementation. This mission allows the department to creatively explore practical solutions to such problems as environmental protection, social justice, and community health, well-being, and security. We are an energetic community of faculty and students who have achieved international and national prominence by combining top research while fostering an intellectual culture that values discovery, teaching, and professional and public service.