“Autonomy and Expectations: The Evolution of University Social Research Centers” is a public lecture by Leland Joseph R. Dela Cruz Director and Assistant Professor, Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University and PhD Student, Department of Sociology, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman. This study tries to make sense of the evolution of nine University Social Research Centers in the Philippines (USRCs). It provides an explanation for the tensions and crises some of these USRCs have faced in the past and some continue to face today. This lecture was held last 25 June 2013, from 2:30 to 4:00 in the afternoon, at the UP Third World Studies Center, Lower Ground Floor, Palma Hall, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, UP Diliman.