Founded in 1983, the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization which strives to help those interested in making improvements to the workers' compensation system by providing highly-regarded, objective data and analysis.

The Institute does not take positions on the issues it researches; rather, it provides information obtained through studies and data collection efforts, which conform to recognized scientific methods. Objectivity is further ensured through rigorous, unbiased peer review procedures.

The Institute's work includes:

• Original research studies of major issues confronting workers' compensation systems, e.g. outcomes for injured workers, prescription drugs and opioids, physician dispensing, etc.
• Studies of individual state systems where policymakers have shown an interest in change and where there is an unmet need for objective information.
• Studies of states that have undergone major legislative changes to measure the impact of those reforms and draw possible lessons for other states.
• Presentations on research findings to legislators, workers' compensation administrators, industry groups, and other stakeholders.

With WCRI’s research, policymakers and other system stakeholders – employers, insurers, and labor unions – can monitor state systems on a regular basis and identify incremental changes to improve system performance. This results in a more enduring, efficient, and equitable system that better serves the needs of workers and employers.