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

University of Michigan Launches 25-Year Follow-Up to Landmark National Survey of American Life

Graphic image of a tree labeled National Survey of American Life, with branches representing the original 2001-2003 study alongside the 25-year follow-up
Researchers seek to reconnect with original participants to study cognitive aging and health among AmericansANN ARBOR, Mich. — The University of Michigan is launching an ambitious 25-year follow-up to the National Survey of American Life (NSAL), one of the most significant studies of the health and well-being of Black Americans ever conducted. Researchers will reconnect with as many of the more than 7,000 original participants as possible to explore how… Learn more about University of Michigan Launches 25-Year Follow-Up to Landmark National Survey of American Life >

August 18, 2026

University of Michigan Researchers Use Virtual Reality to Help Piano Students Conquer Stage Fright

Piano Lab Pro premieres August 27 at the School of Music, Theatre & DanceANN ARBOR, Mich. — Can… >>

July 15, 2026

Shinobu Kitayama Named New Director of the Research Center for Group Dynamics

The Institute for Social Research has announced that Shinobu Kitayama will serve as the next director of the… >>

July 9, 2026

Shinobu Kitayama to serve as next director of RCGD

ANN ARBOR — Shinobu Kitayama will serve as the next director of the Institute for Social Research’s (ISR)… >>
OLDER ENTRIES

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

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

Jacqui Smith

Jacqui Smith

RESEARCH PROFESSOR

Shinobu Kitayama

Shinobu Kitayama

RESEARCH PROFESSOR

Louis A Penner

Louis A Penner

ADJUNCT RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Robin Edelstein

Robin Edelstein

FACULTY ASSOCIATE

Richard Gonzalez

Richard D Gonzalez

CENTER DIRECTOR

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