A new science survey institute that will rival others of its kind in collecting data and processing information is being set up at Iowa State.

The Interdisciplinary Research Institute for Survey Science will combine other existing research centers on campus to conduct business as a single unit.

The institute is comprised of the Research Institute for Studies in Education, the Institute for Social and Behavioral Research and the Survey Section of the Statistical Laboratory.

The institute will vie for contracts and grants given by governments, commercial enterprises and other organizations and foundations. These contracts and grants often include conducting research in societal trends and policy evaluations.

These three entities share features that make them powerful as a unified institute, said Kirk Wolter, director of the institute and professor of statistics.

“The three together share the principal activities of collecting data and information processing. Though the techniques may differ, turning the raw data into information that’s useful is the underlying thread,” he said.

James Bloedel, vice provost for research and advanced studies, said the research institute would enhance Iowa State’s prominence.

“It will be a tremendous enhancement opportunity for students to engage in survey research,” he said. “It will continue to enhance the prominence of the statistics department. It will enhance the reputation of the colleges associated with the institution, such as Liberal Arts and Sciences, Agriculture, Education and Family and Consumer Sciences.”

Bloedel also believes having this focus in collaboration will have positive effects.

“I believe it will enhance funding and scholarship for teachers and scholars. Anytime something happens that increases prominence, it will in turn enhance the quality of value of that degree,” he said.

Wolter said making a bigger, more powerful organization would integrate the sterling capabilities of these institutes.

“There is a large market for high-quality information in this country that offers huge possibilities. Though Iowa State has produced very high-quality work, so far its facilities have been too small to work on some of the larger projects,” he said.

Bloedel said combining the three statistical forces on campus would also be very helpful in getting university funding.

“We are entering an era of scientific research where collaboration is the key to success,” he said. “Putting these areas of experience together is going the extra mile as an outstanding and unique institute. The framework alone shows a great deal of collaboration of interests in multiple areas on campus.”

In addition to drawing prestige to the university’s research facilities, Wolter said an institute of this magnitude would provide a platform for success for students and faculty alike.

Both faculty and staff will gain experience as they work side by side in the labs and in surveying.

“[The institute] gives them the opportunity to become leaders in their fields and conduct professional research,” Wolter said.

Students already play a major role in the three existing institutes, and Wolter said they would continue to do so in the Interdisciplinary Research Institute for Survey Science.

“These institutes give them a lot of opportunities to learn about surveying and researching by taking part in interviews, data analysis and the planning of projects,” he said.

As of right now, Wolter said the three entities will retain their own autonomy in their own facilities, but have begun to look at the possibilities of integrating data-collecting functions.

“Increasingly, if you look at America today, people make decisions based on data. People like to see spreadsheets and printouts,” Wolter said. “They like to see hard facts that bear the information they need to make decisions.”