Research

In an increasingly complex reality, it is essential to be able to identify, understand, explain and predict challenges and problems, which – also in the future – will affect our society. The Department of Political Science at the University of Copenhagen, conducts research from both a national and international perspective in societal and social issues.

The department is organized in four researcher groups that mirror the four sub-disciplines of political science, as well as two transversal researcher groups or clusters that reflecting selected strategic initiatives. We have to large centers with external funding; Centre for Military Studies (CMS) and Nordic Institute of Asian Studies (NIAS), as well as a couple of small centers without external funding.

Furthermore, we actively participate in research collaboration and communities at the Faculty of Social Science and other faculties at the University of Copenhagen, such as Copenhagen Center for Social Data Science (SODAS), Centre for Sustainability and Society (SUSY) and Crown Princess Mary Center - solving problems through research and partnerships.

It’s essential for the department to combine core subjects within Political Science with other research disciplines. This contributes towards a pluralistic research environment with cooperation, experimentation, and devolvement.

Multiple research evaluations have concluded that the department ranks among the best research environments in Europe within the Political Science discipline which facilitate innovative research of top international quality. The department is recognised for its emphasis on theoretical and methodical pluralism which create space for both innovation and scientific, social impact.