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 >

October 15, 2026

Whatcha lookin’ at? Social anxiety heightens brain sensitivity to others’ gaze

Ever catch someone looking your way and wonder what they’re thinking? For people with social anxiety, that moment… >>

October 13, 2026

Your chances of Alzheimer’s disease vary based on where you live. Why is that?

Federally funded University of Michigan research will search for answers—and prevention possibilities—in data from 20 countriesWhat’s the study:… >>

September 29, 2026

ISR heads discussion on risks of AI to social surveys

ANN ARBOR — Representatives from the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research (ISR), the NORC Center on… >>
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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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SEE ALL RCGD EVENTS

Featured Faculty

Scott Atran

Scott Atran

ADJUNCT RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Robert Sellers

Robert M Sellers

FACULTY ASSOCIATE

Sela Panapasa

Sela V Panapasa

ASSOCIATE RESEARCH SCIENTIST

Viktoryia Alexandrovna Kalesnikava

Viktoryia Alexandrovna Kalesnikava

RESEARCH INVESTIGATOR

Robert J Taylor

Robert J Taylor

FACULTY ASSOCIATE

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