The Institute for Research on Innovation and Science (IRIS) is the core data facility of a national consortium of universities. IRIS brings social and information scientists interested in topics pertaining to science policy together with university administrators to build a scientific framework and national data infrastructure that enable research on the process, products, and social and economic impact of research conducted on university campuses.

Urban & Environmental Studies (UES) focuses on the cultural issues of sustainability and climate change in institutional settings including universities and the impact of the built and natural environments on quality of life. In collaboration with U-M’s Graham Sustainability Institute, UES initiated the Sustainability Cultural Indicators Program in 2012. This is a comprehensive study designed to assess sustainability knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes across U-M students, faculty, and staff over time.