Vision
We strive to empower Pennsylvania residents, policy leaders, and the campus community with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and create positive change.
The Institute for State and Regional Affairs (ISRA) is a nationally recognized academic research center based at Penn State Harrisburg. Serving as a bridge between Penn State and the state capital community, the Institute is dedicated to producing informative, useful research findings and data-driven solutions. Established in 1973, it is the oldest and largest research unit at the Harrisburg campus.
Our team includes over 20 data professionals from the Pennsylvania State Data Center, the Center for Survey Research, and the Institute at large. With technical and subject matter expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, project management, data analysis, and data management, our team is well-equipped to tackle a wide range of research challenges. We also provide valuable opportunities for students through research assistantships, allowing them to gain creative problem-solving experience.
Mission
The mission of the Institute is to leverage the rich resources of The Pennsylvania State University to provide comprehensive, unbiased data and research support services. We are dedicated to driving sound policymaking, enabling effective human services, and fostering understanding in crucial areas such as public policy analysis, community planning, regional and state planning, information management, and public administration.
Our Centers
The Institute values collaboration and draws upon the expertise of Penn State faculty and our two centers to enhance the quality and scope of our projects.
Pennsylvania State Data Center
Established in 1981, the Pennsylvania State Data Center (Data Center) is a premier partner of the U.S. Census Bureau and serves as the commonwealth’s official source of population and economic statistics. The Data Center provides essential information to support sound and data-driven decision making. By combining diverse data sources and collaborating with state partners and the Census Bureau, the Data Center offers expert analysis, training, and practical applications of census data, enabling informed decision making across various sectors.
Center for Survey Research
Since 1987, the Center for Survey Research (Survey Center) has been a trusted partner of comprehensive survey research services and data solutions. The Survey Center has served a diverse range of partners, including state government leaders, academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private industries. The Center’s work enables clients to track public policy, inform decision making processes, assess knowledge and opinions on specific topics, perform benchmarking, conduct academic research, and measure satisfaction with organizational services and performance. Through our rigorous methodologies and cutting-edge technologies, we deliver reliable and actionable insights to empower our clients with the information they need to make informed choices and drive positive change.
Our work has contributed knowledge and understanding to areas such as:
- Substance use disorder
- Special education
- Childcare and early childhood education
- Hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, and land conservation
- Housing
- Health care
- Health and economic impacts of COVID-19
A Living Legacy
Since its establishment in 1973, ISRA has emerged as the oldest and largest research unit within Penn State Harrisburg, proudly upholding the legacy of Pennsylvania's esteemed land-grant university. Guided by the visionary leadership of Irving Hand, our founding director, we recognized the vital role of regional planning in shaping policies and driving program development. From transportation and land conservation to economic empowerment, we understood that a regional perspective is key.
Now under the leadership of Dr. Phil Sirinides, our reach and impact have expanded exponentially. Collaborating closely with various state departments and agencies—ranging from education, human services, health, and transportation to forestry, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the Commission on Crime and Delinquency—we have earned a reputation as a trusted partner over our 50-year journey.
A message from the director
“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, I take immense pride in knowing that the Institute is not merely an academic research organization; it has a fundamental service mission. We care about understanding and improving the lives and experiences of every individual in Pennsylvania to reduce inequities and improve lives. That kind of change requires deep engagement with our partners. Our goal is to be an active and trusted partner for leaders and organizations, equipping them to make a difference. Sharing the knowledge we gain is essential, and, moving forward, we are fully committed to doing just that. We pledge to use all the skills, experience, expertise, and infrastructure within our grasp to support policymaking, programs, and services in the commonwealth. Our mission is to meet information needs, but we strive to do much more. We want to spark conversation and drive innovation, leading the way towards a brighter future. Together, let’s make a lasting impact and build a stronger, more prosperous commonwealth.”