Learn more about LISER’s departments, shaping our contributions to societal and scientific challenges.

Discover research that examines key challenges in employment, economic trends and social dynamics within the labour market, offering valuable insights into these important areas.

Living Conditions

Engage with research that investigates the factors influencing living standards, with a focus on income distribution, housing conditions and social inclusion, providing evidence-based insights into these crucial areas.

Urban Development and Mobility

Studies urban dynamics to identify pathways of actors to stimulate sustainable urban transitions.

Appel à Communications: Les relations industrielles dans un monde du travail en mutation

Learn more about our cross-departmental programmes, which combine interdisciplinary expertise to tackle transversal challenges.

Crossing Borders

Discover how our research into the complexities of cross-border mobility is advancing knowledge, shaping policy, benefiting society and addressing global challenges.

Health and Health Systems

Engage with research dedicated to enhancing public health, improving healthcare accessibility, and promoting equitable and efficient health solutions at a global scale.

Discover LISER's initiatives, driving scientific progress and fostering meaningful collaborations with stakeholders.

Doctoral programmes

Meet a dynamic community of researchers addressing critical societal challenges through innovative and interdisciplinary studies. Our doctoral programme offers exceptional training, mentorship and opportunities to shape impactful policies and drive innovation in diverse fields.

Data Science and Simulation

The Centre of Competence for Data Science and Simulation (DSS) is a cross-departmental initiative. Our ambition is to develop infrastructure, tools and competences in in machine learning, big data, microsimulation and geoexperimentation to conduct excellent research and advise policy-makers as well as stakeholders.

cc-EXPAR - Competence Centre in Experimental and Participatory Research

The Competence Centre in Experimental and Participatory Research (EXPAR) is a cross-departmental initiative. Our ambition is to improve awareness of and skills in experimental and participatory research methods to strengthen LISER’s position at the forefront of internationally high quality, scientifically rigorous and societally relevant research.

Understanding the Interplay Between Politics and Social Cohesion

Political and institutional systems vary widely across countries and regions. Key dimensions include electoral rules, the structure and boundaries of electoral districts, the influence of interest groups and lobbies, and the degree of government control over the media. These institutional features shape how political actors behave, how information is disseminated, and how responsive systems are to different societal groups. As a result, they can influence levels of trust, perceived fairness, and inclusion - all of which are central to social cohesion.

How Political Systems Shape Social Divides

Certain political arrangements can inadvertently reinforce or deepen social divisions. For example, policies shaped by powerful lobbying groups or uneven media access may disproportionately benefit specific classes or regions, widening inequalities. Similarly, electoral systems that underrepresent minority voices can marginalise certain segments of the population, exacerbating divides along lines such as social class, gender, age, or ethnic background. Political narratives and institutional choices thus play a crucial role in either fostering unity or amplifying fragmentation within societies.

Cohesion as a Driver of Political Outcomes

Conversely, the degree of social cohesion within a society also affects political processes. Societies with high levels of trust, civic engagement, and inclusive institutions often see more stable democratic participation and balanced policy outcomes. Formal and informal mechanisms that promote cohesion - such as inclusive education, strong social safety nets, and community-based initiatives - can shape electoral behaviour and ultimately influence which policies are prioritised. In this way, cohesion is not only a result of political systems but also a powerful force shaping them.