Monitoring the Future (MTF) is a study founded in 1975, focusing on epidemiological and etiological research. In addition to being a basic research study, MTF is one of the nation's leading sources for information on tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use in adolescents and young adults.

Founded in 1957, Life Course Development (LCD) aims to expand knowledge of social relationships across the lifespan and their implications for mental and physical health. LCD examines a wide variety of relationships, identifying the aspects of relationships that are most beneficial and/or harmful to health and whether these associations vary by demographic and contextual factors. With this knowledge, the program hopes to help in the design and implementation of intervention and prevention programs.