Field of Focus IV Field of Focus in the Social Sciences and Law (FoF 4)

Field of Focus 4 brings together research in the social sciences and law at Heidelberg University and fosters interdisciplinary exchange on key questions regarding human coexistence. Participants include, in particular, researchers from the Faculty of Behavioural and Cultural Studies, the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Law. Together, they aim to gain a better understanding of the fundamental processes of human action, social interaction, and societal organization, in order to contribute to addressing the major challenges of our time.

Researchers in Field of Focus 4 investigate key questions in the social and legal sciences across various levels of analysis, ranging from individuals and groups, through organizations and institutions, to societal and global perspectives. In doing so, they address topics such as human experience, thought, and decision-making, social relationships and cultural dynamics, economic processes and political structures as well as the creation, application, and impact of legal regulations.A distinctive feature of Field of Focus 4 is its consistently human-centered perspective. Societal challenges, such as demographic change, digitalization, social inequality, migration, sustainability, health, social cohesion, and the regulation of new technologies can only be understood and addressed if human behavior, social institutions, and legal frameworks are considered together. Consequently, Field of Focus 4 collaborates closely with the life sciences, natural sciences, and humanities, creating spaces for innovative interdisciplinary research.By combining different theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, and academic cultures, Field of Focus 4 contributes to gaining new insights into the conditions for successful individual and societal coexistence and to developing scientifically grounded solutions for current and future challenges.

The FOF4 Core Facility for Neurocognitive Systems Research (CNSR) serves as a central facility for consolidating the technical, methodological, and organizational infrastructure required for research. The CNSR enables scientists at Heidelberg University, as well as external national and international cooperation partners, to utilize state-of-the-art measurement systems for systems neuroscience.The Field of Focus also strives to actively engage with existing and newly emerging core facilities at Heidelberg University.