RCGD

Latest News

Research Center for Group Dynamics launching new initiative

Toward a Computational Understanding of Social and Cultural Dyanmics

When the Research Center for Group Dynamics (RCGD) was founded at MIT in 1945, its core mission was to ensure that technology advanced in ways that informed and accounted for human dynamics and interests. In the age of artificial intelligence, that mission is as important today as it was in the wake of World War II. Shinobu Kitayama, newly appointed RCGD director and the Robert B. Zajonc Collegiate Professor of Psychology… Learn more about Research Center for Group Dynamics launching new initiative >

October 15, 2026

Whatcha lookin’ at? Social anxiety heightens brain sensitivity to others’ gaze

Ever catch someone looking your way and wonder what they’re thinking? For people with social anxiety, that moment… >>

October 13, 2026

Your chances of Alzheimer’s disease vary based on where you live. Why is that?

Federally funded University of Michigan research will search for answers—and prevention possibilities—in data from 20 countriesWhat’s the study:… >>

September 29, 2026

ISR heads discussion on risks of AI to social surveys

ANN ARBOR — Representatives from the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research (ISR), the NORC Center on… >>

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RCGD Highlights

The Research to Practice Lab (R2P)

ANCHRR Researchers deplaning in rural Alaska

Led by Dr. Lisa Wexler, the Research to Practice (R2P) Lab reflects a participatory research program that is animated by community and interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific, cultural and local knowledges, and reciprocal relationships. Learn more about R2P

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Events

New! RCGD Monthly Lunches

Save the dates for community RCGD lunches this Fall 2026: Sept. 14, Oct. 26, and Nov. 30 from 12 to 1:30 in Room 6050. The Sept. 14 event honors Richard Gonzalez, who led the center for 11 years.

Group Dynamics Seminar Series

The Group Dynamics Seminar series is considered one of the longest running seminar series in the social sciences. Its organizer/s and theme rotate every semester on topics chosen by faculty organizer/s who are affiliated with the Research Center for Group Dynamics at the Institute for Social Research, with seminars held Mondays from 3:30 to 5. Fall seminars will be in ISR Thompson Room 6050. Read more about Group Dynamics Seminar Series >

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