Research and Data Collection
Research Initiatives and Opportunities
The IST aims to coordinate research on society and technology through the following initiatives:
- Create a research program on how emerging media and technology changes and challenges political, psychic, and social life.
- Establish a regional repository of data and research on technology’s role in local economic development (e.g. automation, robotics) by undertaking research on the changing nature of work in the region or technology’s role in reshaping local manufacturing
Contact
Institute for Society and Technology
526 French Hall
Flint-IST@umich.edu
Funding Opportunities
The IST aims to support faculty research and grant funding through the following opportunities.
- Provide regular feedback, working groups, and interdisciplinary support for research in the Institute’s areas of focus.
- The Institute will act as an incubator for promising research at the intersection of society and technology in our foci areas outlined below. This will come in the form of small grants to fund proof-of-concept projects and smaller research-related endeavors as well as larger grant funding opportunities.
Flint Gig Work Study
In spring 2026, ISTÂ fielded a study of gig work in Flint and Genesee County.
Working with our partners at the Michigan Metro Area Communities Study, we examine the prevalence of gig work and its demographic reach. We explore gig work’s socio-economic impact on educational outcomes, social mobility, labor precarity and protections, gig workers’ struggles with discrimination and safety, and attitudes toward education and training. View Genesee County Toplines results.
IST In the News
Check out IST Director Jacob Lederman’s recent article The typical gig worker is changing about gig work in our region and across the country.