Institute for Social Research

As the world’s largest academic social science survey and research organization, the Institute for Social Research (ISR) is a leader in developing and applying new social science methods and is committed to educating the next generation of social scientists.

News & Events

Awareness gap: Teens underestimate fentanyl threat

Opioid Crisis Concept: High angle view of a prescription bottled filled with pills surrounded by more of the same tablets.
Most U.S. eighth graders underestimate the dangers of fentanyl use, according to a new University of Michigan study.  More than half, about 52%, did not believe that experimental use of fentanyl—a man-made opioid that can be more than 50 times stronger than heroin—carried a high level of danger, highlighting a critical gap in awareness that could increase overdose deaths among adolescents. Learn more about Awareness gap: Teens underestimate fentanyl threat >

July 9, 2026

Shinobu Kitayama to serve as next director of RCGD

ANN ARBOR — Shinobu Kitayama will serve as the next director of the Institute for Social Research’s (ISR)… >>

July 3, 2026

Democracy at 250: U-M expert on political fatigue, social media and civic life

EXPERT Q&AAs the country approaches its 250th anniversary, questions about democracy, political engagement and what brings Americans together… >>

June 26, 2026

Faded letters, early warnings: A new clue for aging eyes

ANN ARBOR—Struggling to read more than six lines on an eye chart with fading letters may serve as… >>
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ISR Insights Speaker Series

ISR Insights Speaker Series

Discover groundbreaking research on timely social issues at the ISR Insights Speaker Series. Join us as ISR researchers take the stage to share their insights in captivating talks.

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Research

ISR serves as a national laboratory advancing understanding of human behavior through empirical research. More than 300 scientists are affiliated with one or more of our research centers. Their work provides the foundation for the Institute’s legacy of social science in the public interest.

Allen D Hicken

Allen D Hicken

PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE...

Amie M Gordon

Amie M Gordon

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE...

Kate Duchowny

Kate Duchowny

RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL...

Nicolas Valentino

Nicholas A Valentino

DONALD R KINDER COLLEGIATE PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, PROFESSOR OF...

Jukka Savolainen

Jukka Savolainen

ADJUNCT RESEARCH PROFESSOR, INTER-UNIVERSITY CONSORTIUM FOR POLITICAL AND...

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Training & Opportunities

ISR is committed to training the next generation of social scientists, and to providing the highest quality continuing education to professionals working in the fields of survey research and data analysis.

Organizational Projects

  • Strong, impactful social science research requires diverse cadres of scholars who can fully engage in all aspects of the research process.
  • The high quality social science at ISR requires teams composed of staff and faculty whose contributions are understood to be equally valuable.
  • We believe in a responsibility to share social science research resources broadly with scholars who are members of groups that are underrepresented in academic research.
Maggie Hicken with the interns

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