Research

Perception as an object of measurement

What publics believe — measured systematically, compared with the evidence, published openly.

Why an institute for perceptions?

Societies argue over perceptions long before anyone has measured them. IRISP exists to measure first.

Working principles

Measurement comes first

No claim without measurement; every finding reported against the evidence.

Open access

Every publication, dataset and methods note — free, for everyone.

Comparable by design

Built for comparison across groups, countries and time.

Initial research agendas

Three agendas, set out in full in the programme report.

01

Trust and institutions

How much societies trust their institutions, science and media — and how that trust moves.

02

Information and perception

How perceptions form in the information environment, and how new technologies change them.

03

Perception gaps

Where public belief diverges from the evidence — by how much, for whom, and why.

The measurement cycle

Every project, the same three stages.

01 Question

Question

One question, defined in measurable terms.

02 Measurement and analysis

Measurement and analysis

Documented instruments; uncertainty quantified, never hidden.

03 Open publication

Open publication

Report, dataset and methods note — published together.

Publication formats

Three formats. All open access.

Report

The full findings of one question.

Methods note

How the data were collected and bounded.

Working paper

Early research, opened for discussion.

Young Researchers Programme

Opens with the first research round.

Co-lead partnership

Partners from design to publication — not data collectors.

First-publication right

The young researcher's name comes forward.

Co-mentorship

A named mentor, from method to writing.

Data and research ethics

Protection of personal data

KVKK and GDPR compliant; anonymised at collection.

Informed consent

Voluntary, informed, revocable at any time.

Methodological transparency

Method, sample and limitations — always stated.

Founding path

2026 — Founding

The institute is established

irisp.org opens as the official publication channel.

Q3 2026 — Programme

Research programme published

Programme, framework and charter — in open access.

Next — First measurement round

Fieldwork begins

Opens Q4 2026; every finding published with its data.

Work with the institute

Proposals for research collaboration and enquiries from prospective young researchers are welcome.

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