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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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CAROW Events

The Costs of Caregiving in New York State and Beyond

The Center for Applied Research on Work (CAROW) at Cornell University's ILR School hosts this webinar, the second in a three-part series highlighting findings from CAROW's Empire State Poll.
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The Costs of Caregiving in New York State and Beyond

CAROW Stories

News, events and articles

‘Pause is the Pathway to Choice’: WI Event Explores Regenerative Organizing for the Labor Movement

On Feb. 27, Cornell ILR’s Worker Institute (WI) hosted “Regenerative Organizing for the Labor Movement: Focus on Care.” The event introduced the Regenerative Organizing model, a pilot program that helped unions and worker organizations address the mounting stress and trauma workers face.
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‘Pause is the Pathway to Choice’: WI Event Explores Regenerative Organizing for the Labor Movement

New Empire State Poll Highlights New Yorkers' Climate Concerns and Expectations for Elected Officials

Over 82% of respondents expressed some level of concern about how climate change will affect today's children and future generations, with nearly 38% indicating they were "extremely concerned."
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New Empire State Poll Highlights New Yorkers' Climate Concerns and Expectations for Elected Officials

Q&A with AI@WORK Workshop facilitators

ILR School Senior Lecturer Liz Karns and Martin Percy, Director of the interactive film “AI BASICS,” recently led five workshop sessions about AI’s impact on work, funded by ILR’s Center for Applied Research at Work (known as CAROW). Percy provided information about the workshop in a QA format.
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Q&A with AI@WORK Workshop facilitators
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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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CAROW Members

Find out about our member organizations

CAROW members are affiliated research institutes that focus their research on effecting positive change for workers, employers and society. CAROW members bring together world-class faculty, researchers and staff from multiple disciplines to further research in their areas of expertise.

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In the News

Media Mentions

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

Poll finds that unpaid caregivers face financial challenges

WBNG
Zoë West, a senior researcher of worker rights and equity at ILR’s Worker Institute, comments on issues raised by the latest Empire State poll about balancing unpaid caretaking and paid work. West contributed to the poll project, which was highlighted in ILR’s 2024-25 New York at Work report.
Poll finds that unpaid caregivers face financial challenges

New poll shows New Yorkers cite cost of living as their biggest financial threat

WBNG
Russell Weaver, director of research at ILR’s Buffalo Co-Lab, comments on the latest Empire State poll. Weaver contributed to the poll project, which was highlighted in ILR’s 2024-25 New York at Work report.
New poll shows New Yorkers cite cost of living as their biggest financial threat

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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