The Center for Human Services Research (CHSR) is a University-wide research center focusing on social service research and evaluation. CHSR is dedicated to developing empirically-based knowledge to improve the design and delivery of services that address social issues and meet community needs in the Capital region, across New York State, and across the United States. We conduct evaluation research and design information systems to inform policymakers and service providers across a broad spectrum of fields serving vulnerable populations. Frequent methods of data collection include phone, mail, and on-line surveys; key informant interviews and focus groups; participant observation; use of administrative datasets; and use of existing programmatic data, including document reviews and data extraction. CHSR also has extensive experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis of large and small data sets, and in data dissemination and visualization.

CHSR also includes the Data Management and Analytics Center (DMAC), which supports University at Albany researchers by providing consulting and more extensive services for statistics and analysis, survey design and implementation, study methodology, and information technology needs.

CHSR creates many reports, research briefs, infographics, and presentations for funders, sponsors, and program stakeholders. Some documents are meant for internal use only and so are not available for external distribution; the reports here represent a sample of our work across domains, as approved for release by program sponsors.