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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. 

New York skyline
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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CAROW Stories

News, events and articles

Nicola Dell receives 2024 MacArthur Foundation Fellowship

Nicola Dell has been awarded a 2024 MacArthur Foundation fellowship for her work developing technology interventions to address the needs of overlooked populations, including home health care aides and survivors of intimate partner violence.
Nicola Dell
Nicola Dell receives 2024 MacArthur Foundation Fellowship

Why Are Direct Care Workers So Crucial and What Can Be Done to Improve their Working Conditions?

Guest contributor Kiran Abraham-Aggarwal, ILR '25, discusses direct care workers--the challenges they face, how their working conditions relate to patient outcomes, and possible ways forward.
Photo of a home healthcare worker administering medication to a woman who is seated and eating.
Why Are Direct Care Workers So Crucial and What Can Be Done to Improve their Working Conditions?

Understanding Child Care in New York State

In this explainer, Buffalo Co-lab's Steve Peraza breaks down the child care crisis in New York State and offers an innovative solution.
Steve Peraza holding a sign that says "Childcare is a right #universal."
Understanding Child Care in New York State
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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

CAROW Seed Grant Proposal Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in the grant funding opportunities made available through Cornell ILR School’s Center for Applied Research on Work (CAROW). The Center for Applied Research on Work supports innovative research projects and partnerships that put academic study into practice.

CAROW’s seed funding is meant to encourage faculty to experiment with novel tools, methods, partnerships, and interventions, which is critical as the field of labor, employment, and work continues to face radical transformation and new challenges. Through grant funding opportunities, CAROW seeks to catalyze positive impact for workers and their families, employers, and communities.

We are excited to spark change through research seed grants and conference grants that support innovative work by faculty at ILR and the broader Cornell community. We look forward to learning about your plans through the application process. Please refer to the guidelines below for more information about what we are looking for in your application. These submission guidelines are for informational purposes and will be updated and subject to future change.

Feel free to contact carow@cornell.edu if you have any questions.
 

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In the News

Media Mentions

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

NYC takes booby prize as most ‘stressed-out’ city in the world — surprising absolutely no one

NY Post
The article expands on a report saying that New York City residents have a very high cost of living by citing the ILR School’s 2024-25 New York at Work Report, which used data from the 2024 Empire State Poll conducted by ILR’s Center for Applied Research on Work.
NYC takes booby prize as most ‘stressed-out’ city in the world — surprising absolutely no one

ALL THINGS EQUAL 9-30-25

607 News Now
In this audio interview, Ariel Avgar, ILR professor of labor relations, law, and history, and director of the Center for Applied Research on Work, speaks about the 2024-2025 New York at Work report from ILR Outreach, which includes the results of the latest Empire State Poll.
ALL THINGS EQUAL 9-30-25

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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