American Institutes for Research

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that specializes in behavioral and social science research, evaluation, and technical assistance. Founded in 1946 by John C. Flanagan, it is recognized as one of the world's largest social science research organizations, with over 1,800 employees across the United States and internationally[1][2].

History

John C. Flanagan, a pioneer in aviation psychology, developed the critical incident technique during his work with the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. This innovative method was initially used to screen potential combat pilots and later adapted for various industries[1]. Flanagan established AIR with a focus on workforce education research and launched Project Talent, a landmark longitudinal study following 400,000 U.S. high school students. Project Talent has provided valuable insights for researchers over several decades[1].

Mission Statement

AIR’s mission is to generate and utilize rigorous evidence to contribute to a more equitable and better world[1].

Areas of Work

AIR conducts research and provides technical assistance in several key areas:

• Education: Focuses on early childhood, P-K-12 education, teacher and school leadership, and higher education.
• Health: Includes chronic and infectious diseases, patient and family engagement, mental health, and trauma-informed care.
• Workforce: Covers adult learning, workforce development, and social and emotional learning[1][3].

Leadership

As of recent updates, Jessica Heppen serves as AIR's President and CEO, succeeding David Myers who retired in 2024. The organization's board of directors is chaired by Lawrence D. Bobo, a professor at Harvard University[1].

Acquisitions and Divestitures

In recent years, AIR has undergone significant organizational changes. At the end of 2019, it sold its student assessment division to Cambium Learning Group, Inc. Subsequently, in 2020, AIR acquired IMPAQ, LLC (including Maher & Maher) and Kimetrica[1].

Recognition

AIR has been recognized for its contributions, including being named one of the top nonprofit firms in the Washington metropolitan area by The Washington Post in 2010 and 2011[1].