Mission
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.
We strive to plan and conduct rigorous social science research, disseminate the findings of this research, and train future generations of social scientists:
- To plan and conduct rigorous social science research
- To disseminate the findings of this research, and
- To train future generations of social scientists.
Leadership
ISR Director Kate Cagney leads the overall strategy and research operation at ISR.
ISR’s Managing Director and administrative leaders play a crucial role in shaping the institute’s research agenda, securing funding, promoting its work, and building a strong community of researchers.
“…teach others to be mentors and plan for how the next generation will bring others along at every career stage.”
Faculty Profiles
ISR’s faculty experts conduct groundbreaking and wide ranging social science research — representing more than 20 academic disciplines.
Mengyao Hu
ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST, SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
Dr. Hu is an Assistant Research Scientist in the Demography of Aging, Disability and Care Program within the…
Sarah Elizabeth Patterson
RESEARCH ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
Dr. Sarah E. Patterson is a Demographer and Sociologist. Currently, she is a Research Assistant Professor at the…
Parthasarathi Lahiri
ADJUNCT RESEARCH PROFESSOR, SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH AND ADJUNCT PROFESSOR OF INFORMATION, SCHOOL OF INFORMATION
Ben B Hansen
PROFESSOR OF STATISTICS, COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS, FACULTY ASSOCIATE, POPULATION STUDIES CENTER AND FACULTY ASSOCIATE, SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
Our History
ISR is one the world’s largest and oldest academic survey research organizations, and leader in development and application of social science methods and education.
Directory
The Directory contains most ISR faculty and staff; not all employees. If you want to contact a member of the staff whose name is not listed, check for them in the U-M Directory.