Institute for Social Research (ISR) - University of Michigan
LightNews LightNews
banner
umisr.bsky.social
Institute for Social Research (ISR) - University of Michigan
@umisr.bsky.social
470 followers 110 following 75 posts
Institute for Social Research (ISR) — a global leader in social science.
Exploring politics, health, inequality, and more at the University of Michigan.
Posts Replies Media Videos
umisr.bsky.social
Michigan signed a new K–12 classroom cell phone policy into law.

U-M’s Brian Jacob says research links phone and social media use to lower academic engagement and poorer youth mental health. He calls the law a step forward, but stresses that strong implementation will determine its impact.
Infographic titled Classroom Phone Use and Student Outcomes on a navy and maize header; main panel shows a smartphone icon with a warning triangle and arrows pointing down to two outcomes; left text reads Frequent phone use during instruction leads to: with a downward arrow and an open book icon labeled Lower academic engagement; right shows a brain with a heart icon, a downward arrow, and the label Poorer mental health; ISR department logo centered at the bottom.
February 17, 2026 at 7:48 PM
umisr.bsky.social
Candy (and research) you can trust 💙💚🧡💛💜
Graphic on a light gray, crumpled paper background with five pastel candy hearts around centered text; center text reads Sweet words every social researcher wants to hear.; top left blue heart reads Survey Says Yes; top right tan heart reads Evidence Based Love; bottom left green heart reads Powered by Data; bottom center lavender heart reads Statistically Yours; bottom right yellow heart reads Sampled with Love; ISR logo appears in the bottom right.
February 13, 2026 at 2:02 PM
umisr.bsky.social
Not all self-employment offers the same security.

New U-M research using PSID data on about 10,000 U.S. families finds informal gig and odd-job work is tied to lower earnings, poorer health, and more instability. ISR researcher Joelle Abramowitz explains why these distinctions matter.
Three-column infographic comparing Business owners, Formal self-employed, and Informal self-employed, each with an icon at the top (buildings, briefcase, and a bicycle courier) and a list of outcomes; Business owners column lists Higher earnings, More stable, Best health, and Highest life satisfaction with corresponding icons, Formal self-employed lists Moderate earnings, Some stability, Better health, and Higher life satisfaction, and Informal self-employed lists Lower earnings, Less stable, Poorer health, and Lower life satisfaction; footer text reads Based on PSID data from 2003 to 2019.
February 11, 2026 at 7:23 PM
umisr.bsky.social
Denmark shows how policy can reduce the motherhood earnings penalty.

ISR researcher @sashakillewald.bsky.social finds paid leave, child allowances, and subsidized child care offset about 80% of mothers’ earnings losses.
Graphic on a dark blue background with the ISR logo at top left, a yellow silhouette map of Denmark on the left with a dark blue silhouette of an adult lifting a child, and large yellow text on the right that reads Denmark policies offset about 80% of the motherhood earnings penalty with the 80% circled in red; along the bottom are three labeled icons reading Child Allowances (stacked coins with a person symbol), Paid Leave (calendar with a check mark), and Subsidized Child Care (house with a baby stroller).
February 10, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Reposted by Institute for Social Research (ISR) - University of Michigan
rcgd-isr.bsky.social
"What if addiction could bind us together instead of tearing us apart?" TOMORROW at @literatibookstore.bsky.social: RCGD medical anthropologist Liz Roberts joins @ulabeast.bsky.social for a talk on her book, In Praise of Addiction. literatibookstore.com/event/2026-0...
Elizabeth F.S. Roberts: In Praise of Addiction, or How We can Learn to Love Dependency in a Damaged World. Book event is at Literati bookstore, 124 E Washington St. in Ann arbor on 2/11/26 at 6:30 pm
February 10, 2026 at 1:39 PM
umisr.bsky.social
If you haven't been asked yet, here is your sign to be our ISR Valentine ❤️
Red Valentine-style graphic with large white text Our love passes peer review Valentine; lower left has the labels to: and from: with blank space; right side shows an illustration of a hand holding a magnifying glass over a paper with black lines and a green approval stamp; bottom right includes ISR’s logo. Purple Valentine-style graphic with large white text Our connection is well beyond the margin of error Valentine; lower left has the labels to: and from: with blank space; right side shows hands using a calculator with a screen displaying z x (s divided by square root of n) and two small red hearts floating above; bottom center includes ISR’s logo. Brown Valentine-style graphic with large white text You are the qualitative insight to my quantitative heart; lower left has the labels to: and from: with blank space; lower right shows two overlapping hearts, one white with a light gray grid pattern and one solid pink; bottom right includes ISR’s logo. Purple Valentine-style graphic with large white text I would share my dataset with you; lower left has the labels to: and from: with blank space; center shows two hands, one light-skinned and one dark-skinned, holding a note that reads f(x)= followed by a red heart symbol; bottom right includes ISR’s logo.
February 9, 2026 at 2:40 PM
umisr.bsky.social
Property taxes fund local services, but fragmented tax bases can create stark inequality across neighboring jurisdictions. Join us Feb 12 for ISR Insights with Robert Manduca on 138M geocoded tax records and municipal tax havens.

Watch the preview video: myumi.ch/Xyede
ISR Insights preview: Robert Manduca on property tax fragmentation and inequality
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
myumi.ch
February 6, 2026 at 3:40 PM
umisr.bsky.social
Black History Month at ISR means advancing research that documents inequities and supports Black lives and futures.

Happy Black History Month!
Graphic reading Black History Month with each word stacked in red, gold, and green on a dark gray background; below, 2026 appears in four colored blocks (red, gold, green, red) with black numerals; the right half shows a quilt like geometric pattern of interlocking triangles and diamonds in red, gold, and green with dark gray negative space.
February 5, 2026 at 8:20 PM
umisr.bsky.social
Today’s panel on organizational insights from the Berlin Philharmonic explored leadership, collaboration, and performance across music, management, and social science.

Special thanks to our panelists Stefan Dohr, Gretchen Spreitzer, Matthew VanBesien, and Mark Clague for a great conversation!
February 4, 2026 at 9:20 PM
umisr.bsky.social
How do sidewalks and neighborhood design affect aging? ISR researcher Philippa Clarke shows how curb cuts and uneven pavement shape mobility, safety, and aging in place.

Watch the video to hear Philippa Clarke explain how community design shapes everyday aging experiences!
February 3, 2026 at 2:45 PM
umisr.bsky.social
Who should care for older adults, especially when dementia is involved?

New ISR research led by @spattersearch.bsky.social finds strong expectations for family caregiving, even as families shrink and needs grow.

Learn more about this study on caregiving expectations: myumi.ch/kPEqj
Graphic with a quote and a photo of Sarah Patterson, Research Assistant Professor at the Institute for Social Research. Quote text reads: “Our findings show that the public continues to see the family as highly responsible for the care of older adults, but that levels of responsibility vary by relationship type.” Sarah Patterson is smiling, wearing glasses, a yellow cardigan, and black top, with the ISR building in the background.
January 29, 2026 at 6:11 PM
umisr.bsky.social
@umichstonecid.bsky.social at ISR has received a 5 million dollar gift from the Stone Foundation to advance research on wealth inequality and mobility.

Learn more about this gift to the Stone Center: myumi.ch/Nr4pD
graphic for the Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics. A quote from Alexander Adames reads: “The community and opportunities provided by the Stone Center made Michigan the choice in deciding where to start my career as a wealth scholar.” To the right is a headshot of Alexander Adames, a smiling man with short curly hair wearing a white button-up shirt. The graphic includes the Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics logo at the bottom.
January 26, 2026 at 2:46 PM
umisr.bsky.social
New ISR consumer sentiment data show a small January uptick, but overall views remain well below last year as many households feel squeezed by high prices and worry about jobs.

Survey director Joanne Hsu explains how inflation, incomes, and tariffs are shaping these cautious outlooks.
January 23, 2026 at 4:51 PM
umisr.bsky.social
The Shades of ISR Pantone ™️ palette 💙 💛
Outdoor photo of the Convergence sculpture at ISR during a snowfall; a white text box reads “INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH, Snow Flurries on Convergence.” Interior view of ISR's atrium with hanging plants and glowing pendant lights; white text box reads “INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH, Atrium Glow.” Exterior photo of Perry Building with clear blue sky and red brick facade; white text box reads “INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH, Perry Brick Red.” Scenic rooftop view from ISR’s 6th floor showing a blue flag with a yellow M flying above Ann Arbor rooftops; white text box reads “INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH, View From the 6th Floor.”
January 22, 2026 at 8:53 PM
umisr.bsky.social
The deadline for ISR’s Junior Professional Researcher Program is approaching. ISR Director Kate Cagney recently highlighted how JPR launches social science research careers in a Look to Leadership column. Apply by February 1, 2026!

Read the article: myumi.ch/kP5Qk
Look to Leadership: ISR Junior Professional Researcher Program opens doors to careers in social science research | The University Record
record.umich.edu
January 21, 2026 at 6:38 PM
Reposted by Institute for Social Research (ISR) - University of Michigan
umpsid.bsky.social
The application portal is now open for the 2026 Summer Data Immersion Program, hosted by the Michigan Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer's Disease, using #PSIDdata. Join us at @umisr.bsky.social in May. #Umich #AcademicSky #PSID

Apply by Monday, Feb. 2: myumi.ch/mRWPj
Applications open for MCCFAD Summer Data Immersion at University of Michigan, May 18–21, 2026.
January 21, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Reposted by Institute for Social Research (ISR) - University of Michigan
centeronhome.bsky.social
Behind the scenes! 👀

This week our team at NYC HPD welcomed the newest NYCHVS field interviewers for training. The New York City Housing & Vacancy Survey informs key housing policy with citywide data on homes, affordability, & neighborhoods.

Thanks to our partners @umisr.bsky.social & @cuny.edu!
January 20, 2026 at 4:07 PM
umisr.bsky.social
Thank you to everyone who attended State of the I today.

ISR faculty, staff, and students filled the atrium and overflow room as leadership reflected on recent accomplishments, shared priorities for the year ahead, and reaffirmed our commitment to research in the public interest. #GoBlue
ISR Director Kate Cagney speaks at a podium during State of the I 2026, with a blue ISR banner behind her featuring ISR’s logo. A full crowd of colleagues seated at tables with blue tablecloths and boxed lunches from Zingerman’s, applauding during the event in the ISR atrium. Pam Davis-Kean presents at the podium during State of the I 2026 with a blue ISR banner in the background.
January 20, 2026 at 8:46 PM
umisr.bsky.social
Happy State of the I day to those who celebrate!

Today ISR leadership is sharing key updates, recent achievements, and future goals for the Institute for Social Research.

Stay tuned for photos from the event later today.
Graphic for the “State of the I” event, taking place Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the James S. Jackson Atrium. Includes black-and-white hexagonal photos of ISR buildings and the ISR logo in maize and blue at the bottom right.
January 20, 2026 at 3:34 PM
Reposted by Institute for Social Research (ISR) - University of Michigan
umpamdk.bsky.social
I'm looking forward to seeing this presentation today at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research. How do you recontact members of a study that ended years prior?
events.umich.edu/event/143024
Extending the Legacy: Innovations of the 25-Year Follow-up of the National Survey of American Life | Happening @ Michigan
events.umich.edu
January 19, 2026 at 3:27 PM
umisr.bsky.social
For Martin Luther King Jr Day, join Extending the Legacy: Innovations of the 25 Year Follow up of the National Survey of American Life, a hybrid event on what 25 years of data reveal about stress, resilience, and dementia in Black communities

Join us at 2 pm at ISR or virtually!
Event flyer titled "Extending the Legacy: Innovations of the 25-Year Follow-up of the National Survey of American Life." Event date: January 19, 2026, lecture at 2 p.m., reception to follow. Location: Institute for Social Research, 426 Thompson St, Room 1430. On the right side is the NSAL 25-Year Follow-Up logo and headshots with names of six featured participants: Stephanie Chardoul, Briana Mezuk, Evyonne Mixon, Norma Reed, Deborah Robinson, and Belinda Tucker. ISR logo appears at the bottom left.
January 19, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Reposted by Institute for Social Research (ISR) - University of Michigan
umich.edu
As we celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr on this #MLKDay, civil rights activist Donzaleigh Abernathy and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson will deliver the 40th annual MLK Keynote Memorial Lecture at 10am inside Hill Auditorium. Livestream: myumi.ch/9p15V
January 19, 2026 at 12:57 PM
Reposted by Institute for Social Research (ISR) - University of Michigan
umich.edu
At a special meeting this afternoon, Kent Syverud was voted as the University of Michigan’s 16th President by the U-M Board of Regents. myumi.ch/JPJjG
Kent Syverud named the 16th President of the University of Michigan.
January 12, 2026 at 6:18 PM
umisr.bsky.social
How do housing tax policies shape racial inequality?

Join the @umichstonecid.bsky.social ‬ at ISR on Jan 14, 12:00–1:30 p.m. in ISR 6050 for @joelabriola.bsky.social talk on the mortgage interest deduction and the White Black wealth gap.

Learn more: inequality.umich.edu/speaker-seri...
graphic for a CID Speaker Series talk hosted by the Stone Center for Inequality Dynamics. Title reads “The Tax Treatment of Housing as a Source of Racial Inequality.” Speaker: Joe LaBriola. Event: Wednesday, January 14, from 12 noon–1:30 p.m. in ISR 6050. A circular photo of Joe LaBriola is shown on the right. Bottom right corner includes a website link: inequality.umich.edu.
January 9, 2026 at 6:32 PM
umisr.bsky.social
What teens think their peers are doing can shape their behavior.

ISR researcher Richard Miech explains how @mtfstudy.bsky.social data helps schools, families, and communities better understand teen drug use and support healthier outcomes.

Watch now: myumi.ch/P3Rw5
The real world impact of ISR research: Richard Miech
In this video, Richard Miech, research professor in the Survey Research Center and the Principal Investigator of the Monitoring the Future (MTF) main study, discusses recent trends in adolescent drug ...
myumi.ch
January 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM