We conduct research on issues that affect military families, and work to shape policies, programs and practices that improve their well-being.
The Military Family Research Institute is located at Purdue University, one of the world’s premiere research universities. Our work as a research and outreach organization evolved over time. In 1993, Purdue’s Center for Families was established within the department of Human Development and Family Studies in the College of Health and Human Sciences. Its mission was to help improve the quality of life for families. After seven years of working on behalf of families, the Center created the MFRI with funding from the Department of Defense. Its original mission was almost entirely research-based.
MFRI's current mission is to extend and strengthen the ability of military and civilian organizations to help military families. We do this by designing and implementing outreach activities that assist military families, primarily within but also beyond Indiana, and by conducting research with and for military families that generates important new knowledge about their experiences. With funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., the DoD, Sesame Workshop and other partners, MFRI expanded its mission to include outreach and programming. Collaborative partnerships increase the breadth and depth of MFRI's impact.
Opinions expressed on this site do not necessarily represent the official views of Purdue University or MFRI. This site may contain links to websites and services outside the Purdue University and MFRI] domain. Purdue University and MFRI does not endorse, take responsibility for and/or exercise control over the views or content contained on these independent sites, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or accessibility of the information contained on them. Purdue University and MFRI cannot authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked websites. Users must request such authorization from the sponsor of the independent site.
We are guided by five strategic goals:
-Support the military infrastructure that supports families.
-Strengthen the motivation and capacity of civilian communities to support military families.
-Generate important new knowledge about military families.
-Influence policies, programs, and practices supporting military families.
