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.

Urban & Environmental Studies (UES) focuses on the cultural issues of sustainability and climate change in institutional settings including universities and the impact of the built and natural environments on quality of life. In collaboration with U-M’s Graham Sustainability Institute, UES initiated the Sustainability Cultural Indicators Program in 2012. This is a comprehensive study designed to assess sustainability knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes across U-M students, faculty, and staff over time.