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

Tim Alberta named the James S. House and Wendy Fisher House Social Science Fellow

Tim Alberta
This newly established fellowship is a joint initiative of Wallace House Center for Journalists and the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research (ISR). It supports an accomplished journalist with a deep interest in social science research to participate in the Knight-Wallace Fellowships during the 2025–26 academic year while working in close collaboration with ISR scholars. Learn more about Tim Alberta named the James S. House and Wendy Fisher House Social Science Fellow >

May 20, 2025

To suss out who’s sick, humans rely on senses at a distance

ANN ARBOR—If you’re sharing close quarters with someone during flu season, how would you know they are sick,… >>

May 15, 2025

‘It takes a village’: Community-led approach can reduce youth suicide risk

ANN ARBOR—Empowering everyday community members to lead suicide prevention efforts—by promoting wellness, strengthening relationships and implementing tailored actions—can… >>

May 13, 2025

1 in 4 kids live with parents who have alcohol, other drug problems, U-M study finds

Updated estimates point to need for more treatment ANN ARBOR—A large percentage of American children are growing up… >>
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ISR Inclusive Research Matters Series

Inclusive Research Matters

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 Educational Programs Working Group, which focused on integrating inclusion into research methodology.

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.

Vicki Freedman

Vicki A Freedman

RESEARCH PROFESSOR, SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER AND FACULTY ASSOCIATE,...

Tom Buchmueller

Tom Buchmueller

WALDO O HILDEBRAND PROFESSOR OF RISK MANAGEMENT AND INSURANCE, PROFESSOR...

Erin A. Cech

Erin Ann Cech

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY, DIRECTOR ACADEMIC PROGRAM, SOCIOLOGY,...

Ketlyne Sol

Ketlyne Sol

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

Viktoryia Alexandrovna Kalesnikava

Viktoryia Alexandrovna Kalesnikava

RESEARCH AREA SPECIALIST LEAD

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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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