Mission

Research within ICOG aims at a better understanding of – and critical reflection on - the role of culture in societal changes, now and in the past. Research draws on a broad range of theoretical and methodological frameworks, both qualitative and quantitative.

To address the challenges our world faces, we need a thorough understanding of the ways in which cultural, often historical, factors impact the choices and conducts of individuals, groups and nations, in interplay with (geo-) political, media, technological, social and economic conditions. ICOG’s mission therefore also includes the ambition to cooperate with various stakeholders to define issues that need to be addressed, to initiate corresponding research projects and to make academic research productive for society.

The institute thus centrally contributes to the University’s strategic focus themes, with special emphasis on Sustainable Society.

More specifically ICOG’s aims are:

• to facilitate the conditions for high-quality theoretical, interpretive, and reflective research;

• to foster a stimulating and multidisciplinary research environment for staff, PhD candidates, and students, in which relevant and excellent research can flourish;

• to support knowledge transfer and research in cooperation with and to the benefit of public institutions, societal partners, and the general public.