Learn more about LISER’s departments, shaping our contributions to societal and scientific challenges.

Discover research that examines key challenges in employment, economic trends and social dynamics within the labour market, offering valuable insights into these important areas.

Living Conditions

Engage with research that investigates the factors influencing living standards, with a focus on income distribution, housing conditions and social inclusion, providing evidence-based insights into these crucial areas.

Urban Development and Mobility

Studies urban dynamics to identify pathways of actors to stimulate sustainable urban transitions.

Appel à Communications: Les relations industrielles dans un monde du travail en mutation

Learn more about our cross-departmental programmes, which combine interdisciplinary expertise to tackle transversal challenges.

Crossing Borders

Discover how our research into the complexities of cross-border mobility is advancing knowledge, shaping policy, benefiting society and addressing global challenges.

Health and Health Systems

Engage with research dedicated to enhancing public health, improving healthcare accessibility, and promoting equitable and efficient health solutions at a global scale.

Discover LISER's initiatives, driving scientific progress and fostering meaningful collaborations with stakeholders.

Doctoral programmes

Meet a dynamic community of researchers addressing critical societal challenges through innovative and interdisciplinary studies. Our doctoral programme offers exceptional training, mentorship and opportunities to shape impactful policies and drive innovation in diverse fields.

Data Science and Simulation

The Centre of Competence for Data Science and Simulation (DSS) is a cross-departmental initiative. Our ambition is to develop infrastructure, tools and competences in in machine learning, big data, microsimulation and geoexperimentation to conduct excellent research and advise policy-makers as well as stakeholders.

cc-EXPAR - Competence Centre in Experimental and Participatory Research

The Competence Centre in Experimental and Participatory Research (EXPAR) is a cross-departmental initiative. Our ambition is to improve awareness of and skills in experimental and participatory research methods to strengthen LISER’s position at the forefront of internationally high quality, scientifically rigorous and societally relevant research.

Voting, Ballot Box, Voting Ballot, Election, Box - Container

Crossing Borders & Migration

Topic: Migration & Populism

Exploring the complex relationship between migration flows and the rise of populism in politics

Understanding the link between populism and migration flows

Populism and the composition of migration flows, rather than their size, are deeply intertwined in modern politics. We analyze this complex relationship to help leaders and communities understand how changing migration patterns influence polarized discourses and enable inclusive policies to address common challenges.

Immigration and the Far Right: The Vicious Circle of Xenophobia

The EUFIRST project uncovers a troubling cycle: low-skilled immigration fuels right-wing populism, while the rise of the far right deters highly skilled migrants. The result? A vicious circle where xenophobia and declining migrant quality reinforce each other.

Understanding and Addressing the Drivers of Rising Populism

Populism is at record levels, driven by deindustrialisation, digital polarisation, and identity fears. To break this pattern, researchers propose targeted immigration policies, better integration efforts, countering misinformation, and revitalising neglected communities.

Get out of the mainstream, break the vicious circle

Understanding and Interrupting the Populism Cycle

Disrupting this cycle requires coordinated action. Understanding populism means anticipating its dynamics—and acting before it takes deeper root. This is crucial, as research shows that populism weakens economic performance and governance quality at both local and national levels, while widespread populism fuels geopolitical instability.

Key Topic contributors:

Eugenio Peluso (LC), Francesco Andreolli (LC), Massimo Morelli (LC), Etienne Bacher (LM)

Explore all of our projects