The Hannover Section contributes expertise in spatial sciences to RISC. We understand cohesion as something that is spatially embedded and investigate it in the context of social and spatial transformations of the environment in international comparison.
Host Institution
The Hannover Section is based at Leibniz Universität Hannover. Our contributions to RISC draw from cultural geography (Institute of Economic and Cultural Geography) and physical geography (Institute of Earth System Sciences). Two additional studies are conducted in collaboration with the universities of Dortmund (Professorship of Urban and Regional Planning) and Osnabrück (Professorship of the Political System of Germany in the Context of European Multilevel Politics).
Contribution to the Overarching Theme of Social Cohesion
Our Expertise
At the Hannover Section, we explore social cohesion through spatial-scientific approaches. Our team includes researchers in social and cultural geography, urban and regional planning, and landscape ecology. This disciplinary diversity enables new spatial analyses and solution strategies.
Our Research at RISC
We understand cohesion not only as an overarching societal phenomenon, but also as something place-specific. The spatial embeddedness of cohesion is evident in local relationships and interactions. It is also reflected in how people identify with and orient themselves within particular places. These aspects of living together form a foundational element of cohesion. They take different forms in neighborhoods, districts, and rural communities. Through empirical research, we aim to explain these patterns. We conduct quantitative regional surveys and qualitative community studies. Our research also has a comparative international orientation and addresses current issues such as infrastructure development and provision, climate change, and climate policy.
- Social Infrastructures
In our studies, we examine varying levels of local facilities, gathering spaces, and reference points. Social infrastructures in neighborhoods are expected to enable social participation and promote democratic cohesion. Their establishment is considered a desirable goal for local life together. We analyze access to social infrastructures based on various mechanisms – from state governance to civic cocreation. - Climate Change and Climate Policy
We address ecological changes and developments resulting from climate change. For instance, we investigate the spatial distribution of environmental transformations and analyze how these affect perceptions of cohesion. With a view toward planning climate-neutral cities, we study the role of cohesion in urban development and infrastructure planning – including the aspect of civic participation. - Regional Panel
Using data collected through the Regional Panel, we categorize changes in cohesion at the regional level and analyze them statistically. As part of RISC’s data infrastructure, the panel allows us to track developments in major cities, mid-sized towns, and villages. One example is how people feel connected to their neighborhoods.
Knowledge Transfer
Our transfer formats consist of several building blocks:
- The first is local transfer, which for us means engaging in regular dialogue with residents and stakeholders in neighborhoods, city districts, and municipalities regarding our research and findings. Local stakeholders with whom we are in ongoing exchange include community and social workers as well as neighborhood managers.
- A second component is policy consultation. We communicate findings to representatives of municipalities and local administrations, as well as to European institutions. This applies especially to results concerning civic participation and urban planning processes.
- Finally, we develop events with artistic formats in collaboration with partners from the cultural sector. These events serve both as vehicles for knowledge communication and as spaces for critical engagement. With these transfer efforts, we seek to support and shape socially just and ecologically sustainable developments at the municipal level.