The Australian Consortium for Social and Political Research Incorporated (ACSPRI) is a not-for-profit organisation (registered charity), formed in 1976 originally to enable Australian social science researchers to gain access to the archive of survey data held at the University of Michigan. The broad aim of ACSPRI is the promotion and enhancement of social science research and methods in Australia.
Its objectives are to:
- Facilitate access to Australian and overseas sources of computer-readable social science data;
- Encourage and support activities and procedures which enhance access to and use of social science data;
- Collect and disseminate information relating to social science data; and
- Encourage and support teaching and research in the social sciences.
It was responsible for the establishment of the Australian Social Science Data Archive (ASSDA) (now the Australian Data Archive) at the ANU, with whom it maintains a close association.
Its most prominent activities are the regular training programs in social research methods and research technology. ACSPRI currently runs annual programs online, and in Melbourne and Brisbane. In 2013 and 2015 programs were also held in Perth. Prior to 2020 ACSPRI also held programs in Canberra and Sydney
ACSPRI also runs a survey research centre (to find out more go to the tab surveys). This centre specialises in data collection for academic social science research, as well as methodological research and the development of software and tools. In addition, we work with members on other infrastructure development as required.