Competencies for Democracy and Civil Society, Identity, and Social Cohesion

The research area “Competencies for Democracy and Civil Society, Identity, and Social Cohesion” focuses on how students can be empowered to participate actively in democracy, society, and the workplace. Among the topics addressed are individual prerequisites and social conditions for successful development, social belonging, and civic participation. Particular attention is given to civic literacy, processes of identity formation (including engagement with educational pathways in STEM fields), and diversity-related attitudes. Longitudinal studies, for instance, enable the examination of interactions between educational experiences, individual development, and social contexts over time. The systematic study of diversity, belonging, and social cohesion also forms an essential part of this research. The aim is to provide scientifically grounded impulses for successful educational processes, thereby enhancing opportunities for participation and supporting young people in their personal development.