The Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR) is dedicated to discovering how people around the globe live, think, interact, age, invest, and make important, life-changing decisions. Our in-depth research and analysis are deepening the understanding of human behavior in a wide range of economic and social contexts.

Our ultimate goal: to improve social welfare by informing and influencing decision-making in the public and private sectors. Along the way, we are leading a creative revolution in how scientists conduct social science and economic research through the use of innovative technology. Tomorrow is here, today.

Understanding America Study

The USC Understanding America Study (UAS) is creating an in-depth portrayal of the people in the U.S.--their daily lives and their opinions. This 9,300+ Internet panel is yielding insights and information of significant value to policy makers, government agencies, non-profit organizations, opinion pollsters, social science researchers, corporations and more. More

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Newsroom

USC Dornsife put out a press release announcing a new NIH study led by CESR Researchers Soeren Mattke and Ying Liu on the importance of diagnosing early cognitive impairment.  The study was quickly picked up and featured in TIME Magazine.


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Events

December 04, 2023Neighborhood Revitalization and Crime: A Case Study of the Jordan Downs Redevelopment

December 11, 2023Distant Friends and Local Public Benefits: Social Spillover Effects from Out-of-State Medicaid Expansions