Sciences Po has set up thematic chairs corresponding to four main objectives:

• To make a real contribution to the building and the dissemination of a body of knowledge on areas which remain difficult to define either because they are new or because they have undergone profound change in recent times;
  
• To create a forum for the exchange of ideas on questions of major concern to the contemporary world among all stakeholders involved, be they public or private sector.
• To harness these new ideas and use them to nourish and invigorate both initial and continuous education;
• To enhance links between Sciences Po and the corporate world.

At present, there are three chairs :

Sustainable Development
The Sustainable Development Center focuses on governance of sustainable development and policies related to the environment. It also examines the impact of sustainable development on strategy and business management. It also facilitates public debate involving the different stakeholders.

Health Studies
Sciences Po, Centre for Health Studies, develops activities of research, studies, debate and education in a multidisciplinary comprehensive approach, around four main topics : inequalities and health, crisis and risks, health economic issues and prospective in the health field.

Mutations de l'action publique et du droit public
The Chaire Mutations de l'action publique et du droit public is a part of the Law School. The Chaire participates in research and higher education, participating in the public debate at various levels on both a theoretical and practical level. The Chaire's scientific program  is decicated to the following topics : Globalization and public law, European administrative law,      Decentralization and renovation of the public action, Public Law on Regulation, Economic analysis of public law, Legal instruments for State modernization and public management, Evolving forms of public action in the fields of education and research, Changes in the shapes of public action linked to social policies