Father and son playing football in a park
Living Conditions

Innovative research on public policies, welfare and inequalities, aiming to drive solutions that promote a more inclusive and cohesive society.

Advancing Understanding, Shaping Impact

At the Living Conditions Department, we explore the complex issues of poverty, inequality and social cohesion, uncovering how policies for health, education and welfare affect individuals and families. Through innovative, data-driven research, we tackle pressing challenges such as migration, the housing crisis and health inequalities, working with experts and stakeholders to shape solutions.

Our mission is simple: to drive change, improve lives and build a more inclusive, sustainable future for all.


Explore all of our projects
Visit our fanpage
Key topics

Explore the key topics guiding our research — from family policies and education to economic inequality and social inclusion. Each area tackles critical challenges, aiming to shape policies that promote equality, wellbeing and a more cohesive, sustainable society.

Inequality, Opportunity and Wealth

Addressing inequality and opportunity gaps.

Economic Insecurity and Poverty

Reducing poverty and fostering inclusion.

Political Economy and Cohesion

Examining systems' impact on stability.

Health, Ageing and Wellbeing

Improving health and quality of life.

Meet the Living Conditions Team

Our department brings together skilled experts committed to impactful research and innovative solutions. With extensive experience and forward-thinking agendas, we drive meaningful change and shape policies that enhance societal wellbeing.

Photo de notre directeur de département Conditions de vie Eugenio Peluso
Prof. Eugenio Peluso
Department Director Living conditions
Discover our Research Insights

Explore the impactful projects and publications from our department. These resources highlight our commitment to advancing knowledge and driving positive change in society.

33
Active projects

News

Browse all news
CONFERENCE
Industrial
Industrial Relations in a Changing World of Work

In recent years, there has been a discernible shift in the discourse on industrial relations in Europe. Contentious collective bargaining in response to surging inflation, tighter labour markets leading to a stronger bargaining position for workers, renewed strike activity in many countries and organising drives in the low-wage service sector have been noticeable developments. These changes contrast with the preceding decades marked by the erosion of sectoral collective bargaining and associated institutions.

SYMPOSIUM
pay-or-not-to-pay
LiFT Project | To pay or not to pay

The Urban Development and Mobility department (LISER) and the Cosmopolis Centre for Urban Research (VUB) have organised a one-day symposium titled "To pay or not to pay – The role of fares in public transport" on the 20th of March 2025 at the Black Box (Maison des Sciences). The symposium marks the end of the LiFT project, a bilateral project funded by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) and the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). The LiFT project focused on the policy of abolishing fares in public transport, otherwise known as fare-free public transport (FFPT).

AWARDS