Founded 50 years ago, York University’s Institute for Social Research (ISR) houses the largest university-based survey research centre in Canada. It continues to provide expert consulting in social statistics, teach a range of courses on statistics and social research, and operate York’s Research Data Centre.
ISR conducts more than 25 survey research projects annually in areas including population health, education, social service delivery, gender, the environment and behaviour.
To mark its 50th anniversary, ISR will host a one-day academic conference and reception on Friday, Oct. 30. The conference, titled “Survey Research in Canada: Past, Present, Future – The Fifty Year Legacy of The Institute for Social Research,” runs from 9am to 4:30pm, with a light reception to follow from 4:30 to 6pm. It takes place in Room 1014 of the Technology Enhanced Learning Building and anyone is welcome to attend.
The event will feature a number of guest speakers from across the country who will reflect on the legacy of ISR. The conference will begin with an introductory roundtable with past and associate directors of ISR. This will be followed by two thematic panels, including “The 2015 Federal Election and Past Canadian Election Studies” and “Social and Health General Population Surveys Conducted by ISR.”
After a lunch break, guest speakers will discuss “New Directions and Methodologies for Survey Research.” This will be followed by the concluding segment, a roundtable exploring ISR’s next 50 years.
There will be a reception at 4:30pm open to all members of the York University community, with wine, appetizers and cake, as well as congratulations from the vice-president research and innovation and deans.
Information on ISR and the one-day conference is available at isr.yorku.ca, by emailing isrnews@yorku.ca or by calling 416-736-5061.