About the ZRP
Welcome to the website of the Center for Radicalization Research and Prevention (ZRP) at IU International University of Applied Sciences.
As an interdisciplinary research institute we examine both individual and structural causes of radicalization as well as societal responses within established systems and fields of prevention. Our work brings together basic and applied research, identifies blind spots in the study of radicalization, and develops prevention concepts as well as policy recommendations for politics, administration and practice.
Our research specializations include the forms and dynamics of extremist ideologies, developments and trends among actors and milieus, as well as the possibilities and professionalization of counseling and prevention work. In doing so, we do not only examine the visible symptoms of radicalization but deliberately address its societal causes and structural conditions. We approach prevention in a holistic way, embedded in social, political and cultural contexts.
Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Field
As early as 2022, a nationwide network of researchers was established within IU International University of Applied Sciences to respond to the alarming developments of recent years with an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research approach. This network gave rise to the ZRP-Institute, conducting research across Germany, funded by IU and based at the Essen campus.
Research activities take place nationwide at the various campuses of IU International University of Applied Sciences as well as internationally with foreign cooperation partners. We conduct research and work in multiple languages (including Turkish, Farsi and English) and across disciplines, drawing on criminology, political science and educational science. Such a practice-oriented and interdisciplinary team in the field of social work is a novelty in the research landscape.
Mission, Research, Vision
Our goal is to analyze phenomena of radicalization in their causes, dynamics and manifestations in a differentiated way. At the same time, as lecturers in social work we carry both a professional and societal mandate. Therefore, we consider it essential to develop prevention strategies that are evidence-based and to strengthen democratic resilience and social cohesion in a sustainable way.
Through our research projects, practice and counseling approaches, and training programs, we seek to support government authorities, civil society organizations and companies worldwide in developing effective strategies to counter radicalization and extremism.
Our scientific findings form the basis for concrete transfer activities, such as:
Teaching and learning materials, seminar concepts and training courses
Scientific monitoring of projects e.g. CHAMPS, MEDAR, konex
Preparation of policy papers and expert reports for municipalities, authorities, and ministries
Counseling services for professionals in youth welfare, education, politics and civil society
Integration of research findings into teaching at IU (e.g. the dual study program in Social Work)
Key Research Areas
Research on individual and structural causes and the description of forms of extremism and radicalization
Through further development of quantitative survey instruments and qualitative field studies.
(Further) development of counseling and preventive approaches
We conduct applied research: Together with practitioners, we develop and further refine approaches. We work closely with cities and municipalities to develop regional strategies and build networks.
Facts & Figures
88 academic publications
30+ media appearances (press, TV, radio)
5 supervised PhD projects
300+ stakeholders in the network
ZRP Research Team
Prof. Dr. Burak Çopur
Head of ZRP, Turkey-related (right-wing) extremism and racism
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Yannick von Lautz
Academic Coordinator ZRP, (De-)Radicalization Research, Exit Work
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Prof. Dr. Dr. Veronika Zimmer
Research on Islamism and Right-Wing Extremism
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Prof. Dr. Emre Arslan
Racism, Right-Wing Extremism, and Democracy
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Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kart
Research on Islamism and Right-Wing Extremism
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Prof. Dr. Kemal Bozay
Ideologies of Inequality, Critical Racism Studies & Right-Wing Extremism in Migration Societies
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Prof. Dr. Jens Ostwaldt
Prevention and Deradicalization Research
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Prof. Dr. Bärbel Bongartz
Criminology Research
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Michel Bergmann
Research Assistant
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Dilara Manaz
Working student at ZRP
Learn morePublications
Selected publications by ZRP members
Members of the ZRP regularly publish scientific studies addressing socially relevant issues such as racism, antisemitism, religiously motivated extremism, or the role of schools and social work in prevention. Examples include:
The edited volume Radicalization and Prevention in the Focus of Social Work
Academic monitoring of the primary prevention project „CHAMPS“ within the framework of „Distanz“
Dissemination of findings via the Federal Agency for Civic Education: The role of schools in the prevention of Islamist radicalization and in deradicalization
Selected publications by ZRP members
Members of the ZRP regularly publish scientific studies addressing socially relevant issues such as racism, antisemitism, religiously motivated extremism, or the role of schools and social work in prevention. Examples include:
The edited volume Radicalization and Prevention in the Focus of Social Work
Academic monitoring of the primary prevention project „CHAMPS“ within the framework of „Distanz“
Dissemination of findings via the Federal Agency for Civic Education: The role of schools in the prevention of Islamist radicalization and in deradicalization
Research projects
Mapping the field
Focus on Turkish Right-Wing Extremism and Ultranationalism in (Organized) Sports
Lead: Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kart & Prof. Dr. Kemal Bozay
Duration: 06/2025 – 12/2025
Funding: Deutsche Sportjugend
PRESSURE MECHANISMS AND RADICALIZATION PROCESSES
Socio-Political Pressure Mechanisms and Radicalization Processes Among Alevi Youth in German-Speaking Countries
Lead: Dr. Handan Aksünger-Kizil, University of Vienna
Cooperation Partner: Prof. Dr. Burak Çopur, Center for Radicalization Research and Prevention
Duration: 04/2025 – 09/2027
Funding: Dokumentationsstelle Politischer Islam
konex
Evaluation of the Exit Counseling Program at the Competence Center on Extremism Baden-Württemberg (konex) within the State Office of Criminal Investigation
Project Lead: Prof. Dr. Jens Ostwaldt
Duration: 04/2024 – 07/2025
Funding: State Office of Criminal Investigation Baden-Württemberg (dt. Landeskriminalamt Baden-Württemberg)
ZAMAT
Evaluation of the Advisory Office of the Central Contact Point for Office Holders and Mandate Bearers (ZAMAT) within the State Office of Criminal Investigation Baden-Württemberg
Project Lead: Prof. Dr. Jens Ostwaldt
Duration: 09/2024-12/2024
Funding: State Office of Criminal Investigation Baden-Württemberg (dt. Landeskriminalamt Baden-Württemberg)
CONSORTIUM PROJECT DISTANZ
Consortium Project Distanz - “Structural Causes of Approaching and Distancing from Islamist Radicalization - Developing Preventive-Pedagogical Counseling Approaches”
Project Lead: Prof. Dr. Mehmet Kart
Consortium Partner: University of Vechta
Duration: 11/2020-01/2025
Funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research
JOINT PROJECT UWIT
Social Causes and Effects of Radical Islam from the Perspective of (Prospective) Islamic Theologians
Project Lead: Prof. Dr. Veronika Zimmer
Consortium Partner: University of Vechta
Duration: 11/2020 – 10/2024
THE GREY WOLVES AND THE FURKAN MOVEMENT
The Grey Wolves and the Furkan Movement in the City of Dortmund
Project Lead: Prof. Dr. Kemal Bozay & Prof. Dr. Burak Çopur
Funding: City of Dortmund (Stadt Dortmund)
PeriEx
Perception of Right-Wing Extremist Narratives
Project Lead: Prof. Dr. Jens Ostwaldt
Duration: 05/2023 – 06/2024
Funding: Federal Ministry of Education and Research (dt. Bildungsministerium für Bildung und Forschung)
GameD
Gaming for Democracy in the Context of Contemporary Forms of Extremism
Project Lead: Prof. Dr. Jens Ostwaldt
Consortium Partners: Scenor (AU), BoJa (AU), LAG Mobile, Youth Work BW (DE), Serious Games Interactive (DK), Danish Youth Team (DK)
Duration: 04/2022 – 04/2024
Funding: European Union / Erasmus+
Expertise
Expertise: Racism and Radicalization
Project Participants: All members of ZRP
Funding: Camino GmbH
Events
SYMPOSIUM
Zeichen erkennen! - Entwicklungen des Rechtspopulismus nach der Bundestagswahl 2025
Challenges in child and youth welfare
Venue: IU International University, Kruppstr. 16, 45128 Essen, Ruhr
In cooperation with: Evangelischen Erziehungsverband e. V. (EREV)
SYMPOSIUM
Kulturelle Hegemoniestrategien der Neuen Rechten
Venue: Literaturforum im Brecht-Haus
Organized by: Gesellschaft für Sinn und Form e. V., Chausseestraße 125, 10115 Berlin-Mitte
PRACTICE-ORIENTED CONFERENCE
Radikalisierungsprävention revisited – Praxis und Forschung im Dialog
Venue: IU Internationale Hochschule Köln, Hildeboldpl. 20, 50672 Köln
HYBRID CONFERENCE
Radikalisierung und Prävention
Venue: On-site (Campus Essen) or online
HYBRID CONFERENCE
Radikalisierung und Prävention im Fokus der sozialen Arbeit
Venue: On-site (Campus Hamburg) or online
