Objectives and responsibilities

Objectives of the institute

The IFAS pursues the following objectives:

  1. The coordination, implementation, and further development of interdisciplinary, application-oriented social science research activities in the sub-fields
    • Health
    • Social work science
    • International social work: migration, development, peacebuilding
    • Digital transformation, interactive technologies and media
  2. The integration of the various academic disciplines
  3. Strengthening cooperation with THWS research institutes, THWS research professorships and the research activities of other THWS departments and faculties
  4. Strengthening cooperation and knowledge transfer with relevant regional, national, and international institutions and partners

Responsibilities of the institute

The IFAS operates in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary manner and, in particular, fulfils the following cross-faculty tasks in the fields of health, social work, digital transformation and international social work:

  1. Organising, coordinating, implementing, and supporting interdisciplinary research projects
  2. Acquisition of third-party funds and joint project implementation
  3. Support of early-career researchers
  4. Promoting knowledge transfer and academic communication, including through the planning and organisation of lecture series, symposia, meetings, conferences, colloquia, guest lectures, and workshops on regional, national, international, and interdisciplinary topics
  5. Public relations work to further enhance the regional, national, and international research profile of the IFAS