Beyond the Research
NORC’s impact goes beyond what we study. It includes how we conduct our work, support our people, engage with communities, and govern our organization.
Societal Impact
NORC produces objective, nonpartisan data and analysis that help decision-makers design and improve policies and programs.
Our clients and partners include government agencies, foundations, businesses, academic institutions, and community organizations. We work across health, education, economics, justice, and other areas in the United States and around the world.
The AP-NORC Center pairs NORC’s rigorous, objective research with the global media reach of The Associated Press to provide the public with trustworthy data and insights about emerging issues. Explore the AP-NORC Center.
Scientific Impact
Throughout our history, NORC has advanced social science research by improving research practices, developing new methods, and promoting high-quality data.
Our statisticians, methodologists, and data scientists publish research, lead professional associations, and apply new approaches to client projects. The goal is data and insights that clients and the public can trust.
AmeriSpeak® is NORC’s probability-based panel, which covers 97 percent of U.S. households.
Panelists are selected at random and recruited in person as well as by mail and phone, so the panel reaches people that online-only panels miss. Government agencies, academic researchers, media organizations, and businesses use AmeriSpeak for fast, reliable data on public opinion.
Community Impact
NORC works alongside communities to produce data that help residents, organizations, and public officials make informed decisions.
NORC works alongside communities to produce data that help residents, organizations, and public officials make informed decisions. Many of our projects use community-engaged research, in which community members partner with researchers to shape questions, interpret findings, and share results.
Responsible Governance
Strong governance keeps NORC true to our mission and accountable to the clients and communities we serve. Our board oversight, ethical standards, and risk management practices guide how we operate.
Board of Trustees
NORC’s Board of Trustees governs the organization and appoints our president and CEO. Most trustees come from the University of Chicago and the social science research community. The board works through six standing committees, including a Corporate Impact Committee that advises on how NORC’s research and operations benefit society. Meet our board.
Ethics & Compliance
NORC’s Code of Ethics sets expectations for staff and contractors on integrity and responsible conduct. It covers conflicts of interest, confidential information, and federal contracts and grants, among other topics. All staff, contractors, and consultants complete ethics training each year. A confidential hotline lets employees report concerns at any time, and reports go directly to the board’s Audit & Finance Committee. NORC also maintains policies that comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and federal rules prohibiting human trafficking.
Cybersecurity
NORC’s chief information security officer leads a risk-based program to protect sensitive information and keep our digital environment secure and compliant. The program follows frameworks and requirements including NIST, ISO, HIPAA, CIPSEA, and FERPA. It combines industry collaboration, a vulnerability disclosure program, annual staff training, and technical data protection controls.
Responsible AI
NORC designs, develops, and uses AI in ways that protect research integrity, public trust, and regulatory compliance. Our AI governance follows principles including transparency, accountability, scientific integrity, privacy, human oversight, and regulatory alignment. A policy governs staff use of generative AI, and each AI use case goes through a security and risk review.
