The Institute for Social Science Research promotes excellence in social science research through four areas of strategic focus: 1) research methods instruction, 2) building interdisciplinary connections, 3) research project support, and 4) promoting social science visibility.

ISSR works to build a collaborative space for researchers, faculty, and graduate students to explore ideas together, to obtain support for their research, and to promote the findings of innovative social science research through communication and outreach.  We offer a strategic range of methodology workshops, seminars on research issues, research consultation, and support for proposal writing and grant administration. ISSR also maintains a list of Five College courses related to research methods, as well as information about useful research tools and opportunities across the UMass campus. Our training lab houses 12 computers installed with a variety of analytic software packages, and is staffed by highly qualified consultants (funded by the Graduate School) led by our Methodologist. Our conference room accommodates meetings and small events in support of social science research interests. To reserve the seminar room or to inquire about other ISSR resources and services, please contact Karen Mason at 5-5970 or mason@issr.umass.edu. 

We administer three internal seed funding opportunities aimed at helping UMass researchers develop proposals for external funding. ISSR offers a Scholars Program available to all social science faculty across the University. ISSR collaborates with the Graduate School’s Dissertation Research Grants Program to support Ph.D. students across all UMass departments.