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

Cannabis, nicotine led US adult substance use trends in 2025

Young man vaping in Newcastle City Centre, sitting on a wall in a public area while he uses his mobile phone. He is using a disposable plastic vape pen.
Adults in the United States reported cannabis use at or near record highs in 2025, reflecting a years-long climb. Nicotine vaping also remained high among young adults, according to the latest data from the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future Longitudinal Panel study, an annual examination of self-reported drug use in the U.S. among adults ages 19 to 65 supported by the National Institutes of Health. Learn more about Cannabis, nicotine led US adult substance use trends in 2025 >

August 26, 2026

ISR project selected to receive funding from U-M Strategic Initiative Fund

ANN ARBOR – A joint project between the Institute for Social Research (ISR) and the Gerald R. Ford… >>

August 19, 2026

A quarter century later, landmark U-M study revisits Black health and aging

U-M researchers are seeking past survey participants, who can earn up to $150 for answering key questions about… >>

August 18, 2026

Beyond the park boundary: When green space has polluted neighbors

ANN ARBOR—More than half of U.S. public parks are within two miles of an active industrial facility that… >>
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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.

Allyson Flaster

Allyson Flaster

SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST

David Lee Rigby

David Lee Rigby

ASSISTANT RESEARCH SCIENTIST, SURVEY RESEARCH CENTER, INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL...

Roberto Felix Carlos

Roberto Felix Carlos

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, COLLEGE OF LITERATURE, SCIENCE,...

Trent Alexander

Joseph Trent Alexander

JEROME M CLUBB COLLEGIATE RESEARCH PROFESSOR, COLLEGIATE RESEARCH...

Mary Beth Ofstedal

Mary Beth Ofstedal

RESEARCH SCIENTIST EMERITA, POPULATION STUDIES-ADMINISTRATION AND RESEARCH...

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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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