Pandemic Impacts Research at Kinsey Institute

Justin Garcia is executive director of IU's Kinsey Institute (photo courtesy: Chaz Mottinger/IU)

The new executive director of the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University says the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the ability to conduct global scientific research on human sexuality.

Justin Garcia, who took the reins of the institute July 1, says the healthcare crisis also impacted what the researchers study.

“As the COVID-19 crisis developed, we were able to launch a series of studies examining sex, intimate relationships and mental health during the pandemic,” Garcia said. “I think it’s fair to say that Kinsey Institute data, research and faculty expertise have been leading scientific voices for how COVID-19 has impacted our romantic and sexual lives.”

Garcia served as acting executive director since July 2019. He has also been research director.

The Kinsey Institute was established in 1947. IU says the program has long been recognized for its groundbreaking interdisciplinary research on human sexual behavior, gender and reproduction.

“I’m truly excited to have the opportunity to continue leading the Kinsey Institute and our incredible team of researchers, staff, students and partners as we accelerate the institute’s important research, education and collections missions forward,” said Garcia.

Garcia serves as a scientific advisor to the world’s largest relationship company, Match.