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World-class researchers, from a variety of disciplines, work here at the ILR School. Through the Center for Applied Research on Work (CAROW), we support research that solves practical problems, improves the lives of workers and informs policy-making.

We serve as an incubator for applied research. We provide funding and coordination for innovative projects and initiatives. Our network of affiliated faculty, researchers, and practitioners help guide and facilitate novel approaches to advancing how we work.

Our membership includes institutes, programs and initiatives that study work and endeavor to improve the world for workers and their families, employers, and communities.

Employment and Work In New York State

Empire State Poll

Every year researchers at the Cornell School of Industrial Labor Relations conduct the Empire State Poll to survey New York state residents about how work impacts their lives. 

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Empire State Poll

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the "future of work." It has arrived and having very real implications for work, labor and employment throughout the U.S. and globally. Yet, much is still unknown about how it is being deployed and where it can provide unique opportunities for businesses and workers.

CAROW is collaborating with ILR faculty, member institutes, and grantees to highlight research utilizing and evaluating the impact of artificial intelligence on work.

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Learn more

CAROW Stories

News, events and articles

Home care workers unaware of AI’s role and potential benefits

Cornell Chronicle
A study led by co-authors Nicola Dell and Ian René Solano-Kamaiko reveals that home care workers are unaware of the artificial intelligence (AI) systems being implemented in their workplace and highlights the need for greater transparency.
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Home care workers unaware of AI’s role and potential benefits

Federal Workers in New York State Collectively Earn More than $16 Billion Annually

A new interactive mapping tool released by Buffalo Co-lab and CAROW draws on data from the current (2019-23) U.S. Census Bureau Five-Year American Community Survey (ACS) Public Use Microdata Samples (PUMS) to show concentrations of federal workers and federal workers’ purchasing power across NYS.
NYS map showing % of federal workers across the state
Federal Workers in New York State Collectively Earn More than $16 Billion Annually

Dr. Madeline Sterling Discusses how Unionization Affects Direct Care Workers

Apple Podcasts
In this episode of the PALTtalk podcast, Dr. Madeline Sterling, MD, MPH, MS, discusses how unions affect direct care workers’ employment conditions, economic outcomes, and well-being.
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Dr. Madeline Sterling Discusses how Unionization Affects Direct Care Workers
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Yang-Tan WorkABILITY Incubator

K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan

The K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan CAROW WorkABILITY Incubator funds and supports innovative research that drives positive change for people who work.

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Yang-Tan WorkABILITY Incubator

In the News

Media Mentions

Who will care for Long Island's aging population? Home health aide shortages grow

Newsday
This article cites research affiliated with the CAROW Initiative on Home Care Work, including ILR Professor Ariel Avgar, which found that home health aides experience significant stress, loneliness and mood challenges due to their work conditions.
Who will care for Long Island's aging population? Home health aide shortages grow

Computer science can help abuse and trafficking survivors regain safety

Science News
This article profiles Nicki Dell, director of Technological Innovation for the Initiative on Home Care Work at ILR’s CAROW. Also a Cornell Tech associate professor, Dell founded the Clinic to End Tech Abuse and is a leader in research on technology-facilitated abuse of trafficking and domestic violence survivors.
Computer science can help abuse and trafficking survivors regain safety

Solving the Home Care Quandary

The New York Times
“It’s a crisis,” said Madeline Sterling, a primary care doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine and director of the Initiative on Home Care Work, housed in ILR’s Center for Applied Research on Work, about home care for the elderly. She also discusses recent clinical trials aimed at improving care.
Solving the Home Care Quandary

Contact CAROW

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Contact CAROW

Get in touch

Center for Applied Research on Work

Cornell University, ILR School
Ithaca, NY 14853

Tel: (607) 255-4380
Email: carow@cornell.edu

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