Research Institute

Center for Radicalization Studies and Prevention

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.

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)

• 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.

• Individuelle und strukturelle Ursachenforschung und Beschreibung von Formen des Extremismus und der Radikalisierung
  Durch die Weiterentwicklung quantitativer Erhebungsinstrumente und durch qualitative Feldstudien. 

• (Weiter-)Entwicklung von Beratungs- und Präventionsansätzen

  Wir forschen anwendungsorientiert: Gemeinsam mit Praktiker*innen werden Ansätze ent- und weiterentwickelt. Wir arbeiten eng mit Städten und Kommunen zusammen, um regionale Strategien zu entwickeln und Netzwerke aufzubauen. 

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