History

The Minnesota Population Center (MPC) was established in March 2000 by founding collaborators from four colleges: John Adams (Geography); Dennis Ahlburg (Industrial Relations Center); Lynn Blewett (Health Services Research); Deborah Levison (Public Affairs); and Steven Ruggles (History).

The MPC absorbed the functions of two earlier population research organizations at the University: the Center for Population Policy and Analysis (CPOP) and the Historical Census Projects (HCP). MPC builds on the rich array of existing programs in the University to enhance our national visibility and attract extramural funding. In particular, we are closely coordinating our efforts with other research units concerned with population issues, including the Minnesota Research Data Center, the Life Course Center, the Center for Regional and Urban Affairs, the Immigration History Research Center, the Research Data Assistance Center, and the State Health Access Data Assistance Center.