In 2009, Sciences Po has collectively defined its research priorities for the next four years. Each of the research priorities maximises Sciences Po’s existing potential and provides a basis for the further development of research.

The selected topics provide an international comparative basis on which to use the extensive knowledge within the research community and the international networks already in place. Having a strong interdisciplinary dimension keeps the scope large and includes such areas as history, sociology, economics, political science and law. Sciences Po continues with its tradition of connecting research with the needs of professionals and political players.

There is a better connection and more fundamental approach to the School’s teaching programmes at undergraduate and graduate levels. Finally, the social sciences now address more  fundamental, cutting-edge questions, with the aim of establishing a degree of autonomy with respect to the pressing demands of funding agencies and society, in general.

The eight priorities are:

1. Data, Infrastructure, Methods - More about this topic
2. The Social and Political Embeddedness of Economics  - More about this topic
3. The Changing Scale of Politics - More about this topic
4. The Transformation of the State - More about this topic
5. Inequalities and Democracy - More about this topic
6. Cities and Territories - More about this topic
7. New Forms of War and Peace - More about this topic
8. Politics of the Earth - More about this topic