Overview
Reliable, Accurate Data
In today’s world, where misinformation is rampant and the credibility of information is constantly being challenged, it is more important than ever to rely on trusted sources of data and analysis. At NORC, we take our responsibility to produce reliable and accurate insights seriously. Our team of experts uses rigorous methodologies and state-of-the-art tools to ensure that our findings are trustworthy and free from bias.
Wide-Ranging, Relevant Insights
Through a wide variety of research projects, including the General Social Survey, surveys conducted by The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, and our Spotlight series, we produce insights about education, economics, global development, health care, and a host of other newsworthy subjects that will make your journalism more relevant, informative, and noteworthy. Our experts are nationally recognized thought leaders in their fields and dive deeply into some of society’s most important questions and emerging issues.
Support for Journalists and Data Journalism
Journalists and the media are important partners in disseminating our research and maximizing its impact. If you’d like to interview one of our experts or discuss how one or more of our research projects can inform your journalist, please contact Eric Young, Associate Director of External Affairs.
Media Contact
Connect With Us
Press Releases
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NORC’s Equity Scholars Program Seeks Applicants, Expands Research Datasets
Announcement | August 30, 2024
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Live Crime Tracker Shows Major Crime Declines in First Half of 2024 with Local Variability
Press Release | August 26, 2024
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NORC Evaluation Finds City-Funded Preschool Helps Alleviate Shortage, Improves Child & Family Outcomes
Press Release | August 12, 2024
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Brandon Sepulvado Elected Chair of the Section on Text Analysis of the American Statistical Association
Announcement | August 6, 2024
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Arnold Ventures Announces Effort to Study & Support Crime Reduction Approaches in Tennessee
Press Release | July 31, 2024
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NORC Strengthens IT Leadership Team with Addition of Two Senior Vice Presidents
Press Release | July 23, 2024
Resources
FAQ
NORC at the University of Chicago is an independent 501(c)3 research organization that was established in 1941 that conducts social science and public opinion research for government, private-sector, and nonprofit decision-makers.
NORC is an independent affiliate of the University of Chicago, with whom we partner on a wide variety of research. More than half of the NORC Board of Trustees is composed of UChicago faculty members.
Our official name is NORC at the University of Chicago. Please refer to us “NORC at the University of Chicago” on first reference and “NORC” on subsequent references.
NORC is pronounced as a word – “nork” – not as an acronym.
NORC was once known as the National Public Opinion Center, but we no longer use that name. Our mission is much broader than that now.
NORC welcomes opportunities for its experts to contribute to quality journalism. Start by contacting Eric Young, Associate Director of External Affairs.
Yes. We can accommodate visiting journalists for interviews. We can also arrange for remote interviews via Skype, Zoom, or other methods.
Yes. We have a variety of print- and broadcast-quality materials and visuals that we can share for use with news articles. Tell us what you need.
Our media relations team is happy to hear what you’re interested in and offer suggestions for how our research can enhance your reporting. Start by contacting Eric Young, Associate Director of External Affairs.
We conduct nonpartisan social science and public opinion research. Our political polling is done strictly on a nonpartisan basis and not for political parties or organizations. The range of topics we cover is reflected in the five main areas of our work:
- Economics, Markets, and the Workforce
- Education, Training, and Learning
- Global Development
- Health and Well-Being
- Society, Media, and Public Affairs
We conduct research for some of the largest, most prestigious government, business and nonprofit organizations. They include:
- U.S. Social Security Administration
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Federal Reserve Board
- USAID
- Associated Press
- University of Chicago
- Cornell University
- Vanderbilt University
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
- Helios Education Foundation
- The Welborn Baptist Foundation
NORC employs some of the world’s top research and subject-area experts. In all, NORC has 2,300 employees — 800 permanent employees, 700 telephone interviewers, and 800 field interviewers.
Our main office is in Chicago. We also have offices in the Washington D.C. area, Atlanta, Sacramento, and Boston.
Though NORC should be referred to in news stories and academic articles as “NORC at the University of Chicago,” our legal name is National Opinion Research Center. We are also registered to do business as “NORC.” NORC is an independent 501(c)3 research corporation and is not a part of the University of Chicago.
NORC in the Media
NORC at a Glance
NORC has been shaping social science research for more than 80 years. Today our business and our team are bigger and more diverse than ever.