Building on a partnership that originally began in 2017, in 2019, the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) expanded its groundbreaking collaboration with UVM by establishing the MassMutual Center of Excellence for Complex Systems and Data Science. Since then, UVM faculty across multiple disciplines have worked alongside MassMutual data scientists on a growing portfolio of world-class research projects focused on improving human wellness through data analytics.

MassMutual's investment in UVM also included the creation of a paid MassMutual fellowship for Ph.D. students, a visualization data artist-in-residence program for early career data scientists, and funding for research and mentorship programs for undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. students.

The wellspring of research emerging from the Center of Excellence has included exploring physical and mental health, algorithmic fairness, and data visualization, as well as innovative new projects in areas such as cyber security and measurement methodologies. A keystone initiative in the partnership is Project LEMURS, a longitudinal study focused on how incentivizing healthy behaviors like exercise, talk therapy, and experiences in nature might influence well-being in individuals.

MassMutual's funding of the Center of Excellence is one of several large initiatives under the company's Health and Wellness Program, which provides policyowners with the opportunity to gain knowledge about their health through a variety of tools, offerings and research, so they can make informed, proactive health decisions that may help them lead longer, healthier lives. Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that has been continually guided by one consistent purpose: helping people secure their future and protect the ones they love.

MassMutual has employed dozens of UVM alumni and student interns on its data science team and across the company. Chairman, President, and CEO Roger Crandall is a member of the UVM Class of 1987 and the UVM Foundation Board of Directors.