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NORC at the University Chicago
Finding practical solutions that make a real difference.

It’s one thing to identify a problem that stubbornly afflicts society. It’s entirely something else to come up with an effective solution. That’s where The Bridge at NORC comes in (formerly the Academic Research Centers).

We call ourselves “Bridge” because our social science experts connect NORC’s researchers with those at the University of Chicago and other top-tier schools. We also serve as a bridge between researchers and on-the-ground practitioners to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Logo for The Bridge at NORC

Department Lead

Michael Reynolds
Senior Vice President & Director

Centers of The Bridge at NORC

Aging Action Research Network
A research-driven approach to supporting older adults

Center for the Study of Politics & Society
Providing unbiased insights on what Americans think and feel

Center on Equity Research
Ensuring that all voices are included in NORC research

Early Childhood Research & Practice Collaborative
Understanding how best to improve outcomes for preschool children

Ogburn-Stouffer Center for the Study of Social Organizations
Finding smarter ways to conduct insightful social research

Population Research Center
Capturing the big picture in demographic analysis

Slover Linett at NORC
Examining the audience and impact of arts and culture

The Bridge at NORC Experts

Our Expertise

Discover Our Research

Bridge demonstrates the power of collaboration with academic experts and practitioners in the field.

Native American Performing Arts Take Center Stage in First Peoples Fund Research

NORC Article

How does the Western art world begin to make space for Native American theater, music, and dance when the two cultures have different understandings of art? 

Strengthening Our Organization and Industry by Advancing High-Quality, Inclusive, and Equitable Research

NORC Article

NORC has worked to elevate diverse perspectives in its rigorous social science research since its founding in 1941. The Center on Equity Research will build on that tradition.

Chicago African-American Network Health Study

Using social networks to track HIV among Black men who have sex with men

Client:

National Institute on Drug Abuse; Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Chicago

Head Start-to-Kindergarten Transitions Project

The first rigorous, system-level study of the factors that drive successful kindergarten transitions

Client:

Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families

Chicago Health and Activity in Real-Time (CHART)

The first-ever study documenting how activity spaces change as people age

Client:

The National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health
More Bridge Projects