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.
Yun Zhou
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, SOCIOLOGY, COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS AND FACULTY ASSOCIATE, POPULATION STUDIES CENTER, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
Yun Zhou is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Michigan. With a theory-driven mixed-methods approach,…
Sela V Panapasa
ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST, RESEARCH CENTER FOR GROUP DYNAMICS, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
Dr. Panapasa’s research focus examines the role socio-demographic change plays in the health and well-being of island populations…
Beverly I Strassmann
PROFESSOR OF ANTHROPOLOGY, COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS AND FACULTY ASSOCIATE, RESEARCH CENTER FOR GROUP DYNAMICS, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
Beverly Strassmann is an evolutionary biologist and biological anthropologist who has conducted research among the Dogon of Mali,…
Pamela J Smock
PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY, COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE, AND THE ARTS AND RESEARCH PROFESSOR, POPULATION STUDIES CENTER, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH
Pamela Smock is Professor of Sociology and Research Professor at the Population Studies Center. Her scholarly interests lie at the…
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.