About IPPSR

Extending scholarly expertise to Michigan's policymaking community is at the heart of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research's mission. Over the past three decades, IPPSR has built a reputation for serving leaders and scholars with top-notch research, inviting discussion, and world-class political leadership training. Input from legislators and their key staff members, state department officials, university faculty, policy practitioners, and other leaders drives the institute's efforts.

Our Mission

The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) applies research to pressing public policy issues and builds problem-solving relationships between the academic and policymaker communities. To this end the Institute:

• promotes and conducts research on issues of public policy;
• provides survey research services;
• produces public policy education and training programs;
• initiates discussion of society's most pressing needs among
  diverse audiences.

Our Programs

Public Policy Issues & Education
Staff within IPPSR's education area work with MSU faculty members to develop research-based policy education initiatives, events, and publications. The annual IPPSR policy forum series is a signature venue for exchange between policy leaders and other decision makers about research on timely issues.

Political Leadership

Legislative Leadership Program
Sponsored in conjunction with MSU Extension, this program links scholars, legislators, and practitioners in a discussion of public policy issues and the policy making process. LLP kicks off every two years shortly after state elections with a three-day session for newly elected state legislators on current public policy issues. LLP sponsors ongoing informal meetings among faculty and legislators to further discuss policy issues and relevant research.

Michigan Political Leadership Program
This scholarship-funded certificate program is designed for those seeking greater involvement in the public policy process, particularly while serving in public office. Successful applicants participate in a curriculum that provides a solid foundation in practical politics, public policy analysis and process, personal leadership development, and effective governance. Support is provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, as well as Michigan associations, corporations, labor organizations, MPLP alumni, and individuals.

Survey Research

IPPSR's Office for Survey Research provides survey and data services for public, nonprofit, and private sector organizations, including the university community. More than 40,000 telephone interviews and self-administered mail questionnaires are conducted annually.

State of the State Survey
A statewide survey of 1,000 Michigan adults, SOSS provides current information about citizen opinions on critical issues such as education, the environment, health care, crime, victimization and family violence, giving and philanthropy, governmental institutions, and specific community concerns. Conducted quarterly, surveys are meant to provide non-partisan information to policy leaders, lobbyists and advocacy groups.