Institute for Social Research

Since its establishment in 1948, the Research Center for Group Dynamics’ mission has been to advance the understanding of human behavior in social contexts; making clear the linkages between an individual’s psychological life and the life of the society to which the individual belongs.

Latest News

New Approaches, New Understanding: U-M Researchers Rethink How We Prevent Suicide

A warm illustration of people standing together in friendship
September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month; University of Michigan researchers are using new methods that go beyond the numbers to shape understanding and prevention.Every September, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month asks Americans to talk more openly about a leading cause of death that claims tens of thousands of lives each year in the U.S. At the University of Michigan, that conversation is being reshaped by social scientists whose novel research looks… Learn more about New Approaches, New Understanding: U-M Researchers Rethink How We Prevent Suicide >

September 16, 2026

RCGD Celebrates Rich Gonzalez’s Legacy of Leadership

This week, the Research Center for Group Dynamics (RCGD) gathered for its inaugural monthly community lunch with a… >>

September 16, 2026

What ‘praising addiction’ looks like

EXPERT Q&A ANN ARBOR—What if, instead of shaming people for their addictions, we embraced the idea that we… >>

September 3, 2026

U-M piano students fight stage fright with VR  

ANN ARBOR—As you walk onto the stage to perform a piano solo, you hear the echo of your… >>
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RCGD Highlights

The Research to Practice Lab (R2P)

ANCHRR Researchers deplaning in rural Alaska

Led by Dr. Lisa Wexler, the Research to Practice (R2P) Lab reflects a participatory research program that is animated by community and interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific, cultural and local knowledges, and reciprocal relationships. Learn more about R2P

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Events

New! RCGD Monthly Lunches

Save the dates for community RCGD lunches this Fall 2026: Sept. 14, Oct. 26, and Nov. 30 from 12 to 1:30 in Room 6050. The Sept. 14 event honors Richard Gonzalez, who led the center for 11 years.

Group Dynamics Seminar Series

The Group Dynamics Seminar series is considered one of the longest running seminar series in the social sciences. Its organizer/s and theme rotate every semester on topics chosen by faculty organizer/s who are affiliated with the Research Center for Group Dynamics at the Institute for Social Research, with seminars held Mondays from 3:30 to 5. Fall seminars will be in ISR Thompson Room 6050. Read more about Group Dynamics Seminar Series >

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Featured Faculty

Beverly Strassmann

Beverly I Strassmann

FACULTY ASSOCIATE

Amanda Leggett

Amanda Noel Leggett

ADJUNCT FACULTY ASSOCIATE

Louis A Penner

Louis A Penner

ADJUNCT RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Atiyya Shaw

Atiyya Shaw

FACULTY ASSOCIATE

Briana Mezuk

Briana Mezuk

FACULTY ASSOCIATE

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