The social science research institute was founded in 2010 as a result of a structural
reform at the Åbo Academy University. The new institute is an independent research
unit associated with the department of politics and administration at the
university. In the same manner as this department, the social science research
institute is located in both the city of Åbo and in the city of Vasa.

We are a research institute specialized in survey-based research. We have, in
particular, focused on our web-knowledge and Internet-based tools in recent
years. We also have a significant research focus on experimental methods
besides the main theme of survey research.

Research on democracy as well as voter- and election studies are also our main themes. As we are a scientific institute, we primarily carry out studies which have a clear
scientific purpose, but to some extent, we also conduct research upon demand
from customers.

The institute is located in the Åbo Akademi University's building Academill on
Strandgatan 2 in Vasa, and in the recently renovated ASA-building on
Fänriksgatan 3 in Åbo.

Docent Kimmo Grönlund is head of the institute since October 1st 2004. The remaining
staff, all of which are externally funded, amount to eleven persons. Our main
funders are the Åbo Akademi fund, The Society of Swedish Literature in Finland,
the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland, and the Academy of Finland.