Our Story
At its roots, SSRS has been providing methodologically rigorous research solutions for the past five decades.
1983 – The Beginning
International Communications Research (ICR) was founded in Media, PA as a full-service research firm that designed and executed research solutions for a wide range of clients. Over the next three decades, ICR gained a reputation for delivering high-quality research.
2007 – A Division for Social Science Research
Building on that reputation, Social Science Research Solutions was created as a separate division within ICR to meet the needs of social science research partners.
2014 – The SSRS Era Begins
As the demand for trustworthy public opinion and rigorous public-facing research grew, ICR and Social Science Research Solutions were consolidated into a single, innovative brand: SSRS.
2015 – STR and CENTRIS Join SSRS
SSRS brought together teams from two sister companies: Survey Technology Research (STR) and CENTRIS. This integration added advanced in-house data collection and survey processing and expanded our presence in media and technology research.
Under the umbrella of our parent company, AUS Marketing Research Systems, SSRS became a powerhouse of research expertise.
2019 – Luker Brings the Sports Poll to SSRS
SSRS acquired Luker on Trends, the firm that pioneered syndicated sports research through the ESPN Sports Poll. The Luker team brought more than 25 years of experience leading strategic projects for major leagues, media companies, and global brands, expanding SSRS’s expertise in sports and fan research.
2025 – SSRS Welcomes Edison Research
SSRS acquired Edison Research, a recognized leader in election and media research. With more than two decades of Election Day polling in the U.S. and global election studies, the Edison team added extensive expertise in election and public opinion research to SSRS.
The Edison Audio Team also brought The Infinite Dial®, Share of Ear®, and Edison Podcast Metrics to SSRS—studies that shape the understanding of digital audio, podcasting, and emerging media.
Today – Redefining Research to Impact Positive Change
Our team of critical thinkers continues to approach the needs of our clients with genuine enthusiasm and a shared goal to connect people through research.
Together, we can improve lives with information and lead the way to a more transparent, knowledgeable society. SSRS is redefining research to impact positive change.
Our Culture
What’s with the Giraffes?
Good question. Our love for giraffes has a humble beginning: SSRS President, Melissa Herrmann, was looking for a way to recognize a team member who was going above and beyond. One day, during a trip to the mall, she saw a huge stuffed giraffe in a store window and immediately knew it embodied “reaching for more.” And let’s be honest, its impossible to overlook a three-foot giraffe acknowledgement.
The team named the giraffe “Chaos” because the nature of our work is a bit chaotic. It is important to have a visual reminder that no matter what challenges we face, SSRS can accomplish anything with hard work and determination. The legend was born, and it also inspired our internal company motto, “Embrace the Chaos.”
Chaos the giraffe is a large part of SSRS culture and morale. Chaos is involved in most of our corporate events, shows up in our internal branding, holds a charitable 5K race, gives out a recognition award (Kudos from Chaos), and has a dedicated annual award ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of SSRS team members.
Being recognized by Chaos is a distinction. It means you are going above and beyond in your contributions to your clients, your team, and our company, and your work has not gone unnoticed.
Hoof bump.
Our “Why”
As a social science research firm, the work we do has an impact, sometimes small, other times quite meaningful. That is why we conduct research. Our team works to make a difference and recognizes that positive change originates in our own professional environment.
We take immense pride in our corporate culture and are dedicated to areas that we feel are critical to developing and maintaining an environment of integrity, respect, and innovation. Principles that are important to us include lifelong education; employee engagement, opportunity, and empowerment; health and wellness; and philanthropy. We approach these values with the same energy applied to our research endeavors with the goal of creating an environment where everyone is comfortable being authentic.
Our Mission
SSRS is redefining research to impact positive change with a shared goal to connect people through research. We get excited about the inherent problem solving involved in our work, and foster transparency with collaboration. Together, we can improve lives with information and lead the way to a more transparent, knowledgeable society.
Memberships, Awards & Certifications
The American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR)
Founded in 1947, the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) is the leading association of public opinion and survey research professionals. The AAPOR community includes producers and users of survey data from a variety of disciplines. Members span a range of interests including election polling, market research, statistics, research methodology, health related data collection and education.
SSRS Accepted as Charter Member of the AAPOR Transparency Initiative
Launched in October 2014, the Transparency Initiative seeks to encourage broader and more effective disclosure of research methods by all organizations, with the goal of promoting methodological disclosure. By joining AAPOR in this initiative, SSRS is effectively increasing its adherence to AAPOR’s Code of Professional Ethics and Practices and promoting greater understanding of how methodology relates to overall survey quality.
The Insights Association
Officially launched in January, 2017, the Insights Association was formed through the merger of two organizations with long, respected histories of servicing the market research industry: CASRO and MRA. The result is a new, larger and more connected association with a unified, coordinated and higher profile voice, aligned in mission and message, and ultimately more effective at advancing the industry and profession in which we all share an abiding passion. The Insights Association strives to effectively represent, advance, and grow the research profession and industry.
ISO 27001 Certification
SSRS holds an ISO 27001 certification issued by the British Standards Institute for our information security management system. SSRS has developed a framework of policies and procedures that includes all legal, physical and technical controls involved in our organization’s information risk management processes. This certification is another proactive step SSRS is taking to provide security and peace of mind to our clients, partners, and employees alike.
