James S. Jackson
Director, U-M Institute for Social Research

University of Michigan Institute for Social Research

The University of Michigan Institute for Social Research (ISR) is the world's largest academic social science survey and research organization. We are a leader in developing and applying new social science methods, and we are committed to educating the next generation of social scientists. After a rich 60-year history, we continue to broaden our scientific reach through international ventures and new collaboration with federal agencies, foundations, corporations, and private individuals.

ISR serves as a telescope on society, bringing the attitudes and behavior of people into clearer focus. Our annual budget of more than $80 million supports the research of more than 200 scientists from 20 disciplines, including psychology, business, economics, public health, demography, statistics, and engineering.

Our large survey studies include the Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers, the Health & Retirement Study, the National Survey of American Life, the Monitoring the Future Study, and the World Values Study. These studies—providing data on voting behavior, teen drug and alcohol use, consumer confidence, the health and economic status of Black Americans, and other topics—are among our most visible work. But we also develop and test survey methodologies; conduct experimental studies; maintain and distribute the world's largest archive of social science data; and train and educate researchers and students from around the world in survey methodology and survey research.

The ISR Centers

• Center for Political Studies
• Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research
• Population Studies Center
• Research Center for Group Dynamics
• Survey Research Center