[1] Research work is focused on society's relationship with public goods such as health, environment, technology, education, science and politics.
Researchers from various disciplines and professional fields work together on intervention-oriented projects within their social, historical and systems science contexts.
The IFF contributes to solving societal problems through research, teaching, consulting, intervention and extramural continuing education.
During the founding years, its guiding vision was "allowing research and education to have an impact 'beyond' the traditional universities.
After internal discussions and negotiations with the rectors of the universities concerned, it was decided that the institute would remain intact.
Academic personnel represent a spectrum of expertise in scientific research, from the arts and humanities to natural sciences, engineering and economics.