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

Missing rebound: Youth drug use defies expectations, continues historic decline 

A group of schoolgirls sit talking at a table outside of school
Adolescent drug use continued to drop in 2024, building on and extending the historically large decreases that occurred during the pandemic onset in 2020. "Many experts in the field had anticipated that drug use would resurge as the pandemic receded and social distancing restrictions were lifted. As it turns out, the declines have not only lasted but have dropped further," said Richard Miech, team lead of the Monitoring the Future study. Learn more about Missing rebound: Youth drug use defies expectations, continues historic decline  >

December 20, 2024

Consumer outlook on the rise, despite worries with policy shifts under new presidency

ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment rose for the fifth consecutive month, reaching its highest reading since April 2024. The prospect… >>

December 17, 2024

Talk to him: How a conversation can shape public support for women’s rights

ANN ARBOR—A single conversation with a close family member may not change a young woman’s views on policies… >>

December 12, 2024

Poll shows role of close friendships in older adults’ health

Whether they’re lifelong buddies or recently connected, close to home or miles away, a new poll shows the… >>
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ISR Inclusive Research Matters Series

This seminar series reflects ISR’s ongoing commitment to transparently and intentionally exploring the role of inclusion in the research process. The series was developed following discussions within the DEI Educational Programs Working Group, which focused on integrating inclusion into research methodology.

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.

Jeremy Staff

Jeremy Staff

ADJUNCT RESEARCH PROFESSOR OF SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL...

Lauren Lucia Schmitz

Lauren Lucia Schmitz

ADJUNCT RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER, INSTITUTE...

Mara Cecilia Ostfeld

Mara Cecilia Ostfeld

RESEARCH ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, PUBLIC POLICY, GERALD R FORD SCHOOL OF...

Emily Briceno

Emily Briceno

CLINICAL ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION AND...

Ben Hansen

Ben B Hansen

PROFESSOR OF STATISTICS, COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS,...

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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.

Diversity

  • 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

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Guiding Principles Statement

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