About
Mission Focused, Evidence Driven
We never stop digging to find what works.
The American Institutes for Research® (AIR) is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world.
From education to workforce development, to healthcare service and delivery, community safety and well-being, nutrition, agriculture, and food security, our work drives toward practical solutions that improve lives for families and communities. We do this work because we are dedicated to closing gaps to opportunity and access across the lifespan.
At AIR, we know that improving outcomes begins with systems that work for everyone, so we lead with expertise, follow the evidence, and never stop drawing new connections to fulfill our mission.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
AIR's mission is to generate evidence and apply data-driven solutions that expand opportunities and improve lives for all. Our mission drives everything we do, including our work with clients and communities and how we function as a organization.
The AIR Opportunity Fund
In addition to serving our mission through client-driven work, AIR invests its own talent and resources to tackle seemingly intractable, long-standing problems that prevent too many people from having access to good health care, education, and pathways to employment.
Our Leadership
“I believe in the power of behavioral and social science to improve public education, workforce development pathways, and healthcare delivery systems, and to search for and identify solutions to foster greater opportunity and well-being for people and communities.”
- Jessica Heppen, President and CEO
Our Clients
AIR works with government agencies, organizations, institutions, and communities across the U.S. and around the world to develop and use evidence to improve outcomes. Our clients include:
Gates Foundation
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
George Kaiser Family Foundation
Illinois State Board of Education
Millennium Challenge Corporation
National Science Foundation
Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute
State of California
Texas Education Agency
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Labor
United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund
Wallace Foundation
Our History
Founded in 1946 as a not-for-profit organization, we conduct our work with strict independence, objectivity, and non-partisanship.
Partner With Us
Our mission driven staff are ready to help you address any challenge.
