Institut für Friedensforschung und Sicherheitspolitik

The Institut für Friedensforschung und Sicherheitspolitik an der Universität Hamburg (IFSH) is an independent research institution that has existed since June 1971. Founded at the suggestion of the then Federal President Gustav Heinemann, the institute is funded by the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and works closely with the University of Hamburg as well as other national and international scientific institutions.

The IFSH focuses on four central research areas:

• European Peace and Security Orders: Here, central aspects of the European peace and security order are examined.
• Social Peace and Internal Security: Researchers analyze the factors that influence social peace and internal security, including the radicalization of individuals and the role of the internet and social media.
• Arms Control and New Technologies: The institute investigates the impacts of new technologies such as autonomous weapons and drones on arms control and security policy consequences.
• Climate Research: The security policy implications of climate change are another focus of research[1][2][3].

The main mission of the IFSH is to research the conditions of peace and security in Germany, Europe, and beyond. The institute pursues the goals of free research and teaching, promoting young scientists, and publishing research results. It places great importance on independent and interdisciplinary research that combines social and natural science competencies[1][2][3].

The IFSH is engaged in various initiatives to transfer its research results into politics and society. These include:

• Consulting: The institute advises the federal government, the Bundestag, and international organizations.
• Publications: It regularly publishes Policy Briefs, Research Reports, and the annual Peace Report in collaboration with other peace research institutes.
• Events: The format "Ask the IFSH!" allows interested citizens, school classes, and educational institutions to inform themselves about current security policy issues.
• International Cooperation: The IFSH works closely with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and offers training for politicians and diplomats[1][2][3].

The IFSH is supported by various committees, including a board of trustees, an institute council, and a scientific advisory board. These committees oversee the foundation's purpose, support the management, and ensure compliance with good scientific practice. The scientific director, Prof. Dr. Ursula Schröder, has been leading the institute since October 2017[1][3].

The IFSH is also supported by the "Verein zur Förderung des Instituts für Friedensforschung e.V." (VFIF), which promotes the work of the institute by conveying the results of its work to politics and the public as well as raising additional funds[3].

With its comprehensive and interdisciplinary research as well as its commitment to knowledge transfer and political consulting, the IFSH makes an important contribution to promoting peace and security at both national and international levels.

• 1 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institut_f%C3%BCr_Friedensforschung_und_Sicherheitspolitik_an_der_Universit%C3%A4t_Hamburg
• 2 - https://www.hamburg.de/politik-und-verwaltung/behoerden/behoerde-fuer-wissenschaft-forschung-gleichstellung-und-bezirke/unsere-themen/forschung-und-wissenstransfer/forschungseinrichtungen/ifsh-194732
• 3 - https://ifsh.de/institut/organisation
• 4 - https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universit%C3%A4t_Hamburg
• 5 - https://ifsh.de/publikationen/policy-brief/policy-brief-0420