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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

Is Schedule Policy/Career a Risk for Federal Statistical Agencies?

Cornell ILR School's Senior Labor Market Advisor, Erica Groshen, answers questions on the proposed rule to reclassify some federal positions as Schedule Policy/Career. The 30-day public comment period is open until May 23, 2025.
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Is Schedule Policy/Career a Risk for Federal Statistical Agencies?

Health Care Cooperatives Could Hold Key to Easing Elderly Caregiver Shortage

Home care cooperatives may be the key to alleviating the shortage of paid caregivers for older Americans, according to a new study co-authored by Ariel Avgar, Ph.D. ’08, and Dr. Madeline Sterling, A&S ’08, director of ILR’s Initiative on Home Care Work.
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Health Care Cooperatives Could Hold Key to Easing Elderly Caregiver Shortage

Webinar: AI and the Future for Workers

AI is being adopted across sectors, with profound implications for workers. On Jan. 29, 2025 CAROW brought together researchers and organizers from the Cornell ILR School and Communications Workers of America (CWA) to discuss how AI is changing workplaces, what it means for workers, and how unions are responding.
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Webinar: AI and the Future for 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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