The Research Institute Social Cohesion (RISC) is an interdisciplinary, transfer-oriented, and multilocation institute. It has existed since 2020 and is funded by the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR).
RISC combines basic research on social cohesion with applied research addressing current challenges from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
Knowledge transfer at RISC ranges from traditional policy consulting to public formats in which findings are prepared for diverse target groups. In addition, knowledge transfer at RISC includes the coproduction of knowledge with a broad network of practice partners.
The eleven sections – eight universities and three nonuniversity research institutions – contribute to RISC with their distinct profiles. They enhance the nationwide reach of our research and transfer activities, while simultaneously reflecting the regional anchoring and diversity of social cohesion.
The Research Program
In the current research and transfer program of the second funding phase, our approximately 200 researchers examine the significance of overlapping crises for social cohesion. How is social cohesion threatened during times of transformation? Equally important is the question of how cohesion proves effective in the face of such challenges. A particular focus of our program lies in identifying the criteria of democratic cohesion. When can cohesion be considered democratic? How – and through which mechanisms – does democratic cohesion endure in global comparison and in competition with alternative models?
In this second funding phase, we consolidate diverse epistemological and methodological approaches within four research areas:
Research Area A: “Politics of Democratic Cohesion”
Research Area B: “Socioeconomic Orders of Status and Distribution”
Research Area C: “Infrastructures and Public Goods”
Research Area D: “Cultural Dynamics of Cohesion”
Detailed information on the current research program can be found in our project database (currently only available on the German website).
The Research Structure
Within the four research areas, the research and transfer projects are organized into 39 work packages. The teams within these research areas collaborate across disciplines and sections in all areas of focus. At the same time, unique data infrastructures with consistent longitudinal designs, as well as thematically oriented knowledge transfer, are integral components of all these areas. Based on this foundation, RISC forms national and international networks and establishes its position through numerous collaborations and a fellowship program.