Putting Research into Practice

The Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) follows the land- grant tradition by not only upholding a high standard of excellence in database, evaluation, and survey research, but also by tying these activities to the needs and concerns of the community. IPPSR conducts economic, social, and tax analyses through the largest and most comprehensive electronic database ever assembled on Michigan’s economy, demography, fiscal structure, and society. Besides providing database information and conducting analyses, IPPSR specializes in telephone and mail surveys which are designed to collect the most unbiased, reliable data possible to lend to the decision-making and problem-solving process. IPPSR also develops a variety of forums and conferences which call both academicians and practitioners together to discuss how valuable research knowledge can be put to practice. The IPPSR poster displays specific activities that are currently underway at the Institute. This includes information on the State of the State Survey (a quarterly survey of citizen opinions on current issues), the Michigan Demographic Fact Sheet (an important "at-a-glance" informational resource), and information on the IPPSR Forum Series (six luncheon presentations on issues facing communities).