The Institute for Social and Policy Research (ISPR)  addresses the need for an established interdisciplinary research entity at Purdue University Calumet (PUC). The population served by Purdue University Calumet is comprised of Northwest Indiana and southern Cook County in Illinois. The population in this region exceeds well over 1,000,000 individuals.

Presently, this demographic area is not supported by a research entity designed to employ social science and policy analysis methods for purposes of enhancing the common good.  The creation of the Institute combines present Purdue University Calumet resources within one organizational structure resulting in increased impact through the utilization of shared knowledge and resources.