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.
John P Laitner
PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF ECONOMICS, COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS AND RESEARCH PROFESSOR EMERITUS, SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
Dr. Laitner is Director of the University of Michigan Retirement and Disability Research Center. His research falls primarily…
David A Lam
PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF ECONOMICS, COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS AND RESEARCH PROFESSOR EMERITUS, POPULATION STUDIES CENTER, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
David Lam’s research focuses on the interaction of economics and demography in developing countries, including analysis of the…
Susan Leonard
ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST EMERITA, INTER-UNIVERSITY CONSORTIUM FOR POLITICAL AND SOCIAL RESEARCH, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
Dr. Leonard’s work focuses on the relationship between human populations and their environments. Her research interests include historical…
Amie M Gordon
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY, COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS AND FACULTY ASSOCIATE, RESEARCH CENTER FOR GROUP DYNAMICS, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
Research in Amie Gordon’s lab focuses on uncovering the social cognitive, affective, and biological factors that shape our…
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.