research institute, not for profit, founded in Washington, D.C., in 1927 by the merchant, manufacturer, and philanthropist Robert S. Brookings (Brookings, Robert S) (q.v.) and devoted to public service through research and education in the social sciences, particularly in economics, government, and foreign policy. It was formed by the amalgamation of the Institute for Government Research (founded 1916), the Institute of Economics (1922), and the Robert Brookings Graduate School of Economics and Government (1924). Its chief publications are the Brookings Bulletin (quarterly), Brookings Papers on Economic Activity (three times a year), and Reprint Series (irregular).