At IHS we engage in transdisciplinary urban research that bridges theory and practice, working directly with city administrations and urban communities across the globe. We believe that urban research must bridge the gap between academic excellence and real-world impact. Our approach combines thorough scientific inquiry with deep engagement in urban communities, creating knowledge that drives positive change in cities worldwide.
Societal impact & civic engagement
Our research directly addresses pressing urban challenges, from climate resilience to social justice. We actively involve citizens, community organizations, and local governments in our research process, ensuring that our work responds to real needs and creates lasting positive changes that improve urban life.
Urban challenges go across disciplinary boundaries; so does our research.
Transdisciplinary approach
Urban challenges go across disciplinary boundaries; so does our research. We work together with experts in urban planning, social sciences, and environmental studies, and other fields to develop comprehensive solutions. This transdisciplinary approach enables us to tackle complex urban challenges from multiple angles, creating more effective and sustainable solutions.
International partnerships
Our international network of research partners spans different continents, with a focus on the global south, enabling us to study urban phenomena across different cultural and geographical contexts.
Training next generation of urban academics
We are committed to making our research accessible and actionable. Our PhD programme stands at the heart of this commitment, providing an environment where emerging academics and urban professionals develop into future experts in urban innovation. Our doctoral candidates work at the intersection of theory and practice, addressing real-world urban challenges while advancing academic knowledge.
Open and responsible science
Transparency and integrity are fundamental to our research approach. We adhere to open science principles, making our research findings, methodologies, and data freely accessible whenever possible. This commitment to openness enhances the quality and impact of our work while fostering collaboration and innovation.
Research ethics and integrity
Our research adheres to the EUR ethical standards, guided by the Netherlands Code of Conduct for Research Integrity (NCCRI). Where needed, our research projects, are subjected to a careful review by our Ethics Committee.
The Ethics Committee ensures:
- Protection of research participants' rights and privacy
- Fair and inclusive research practices
- Responsible data management
- Transparent reporting of research findings
- Careful consideration of potential impacts on communities
IHS ethics committee can be reached through ethics@ihs.nl
Research themes
Our research portfolio reflects our proficiency in the complex and interconnected nature of urban challenges. Building on our strong international expertise, we co-create, understand, and apply research across the following core themes:
Our researchers
Our international research community brings together academics and practitioners from countries all over the globe, combining academic excellence with practical urban expertise. Our team works across our core themes to address complex urban challenges.
Bridging the knowledge gap: IHS Projects
Have a look at our commissioned and non-commissioned research on the project website.
