The Institute for Applied Social Sciences – in short IFAS – is one of the youngest institutes at THWS. The head of the institute and the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer explain the research methods and objects.
Pooling research efforts and thematic outside representation constituted the basic idea that led to the founding of the Institute for Applied Social Sciences (IFAS) at THWS in 2019. "Our idea was to found a research institute in the area of social sciences, in addition to the technical institutes we already have, and to become more visible outside the University”, states Professor Dr. Jürgen Hartmann, Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer at THWS. The focus was in particular on cross-faculty research, which is supposed to come to the fore even more. Social sciences are relevant in all disciplines.
At the same time, the institute is supposed to bridge the spatial separation between the two THWS locations in Würzburg and Schweinfurt "at least in people's minds", says Hartmann. Because colleagues meeting in one institute, which at least creates a thematic link, can only lead to improved collaboration. Currently, 17 professors and 15 employees are part of the institute, which is managed by Professor Dr. Tanja Henking. The interdisciplinary focus is reflected by the many doctorates covering a broad field of topics.
The IFAS consists of four centres
Health, Digital Transformation, Social Work and International Social Work – these are the four centres, which at the same time make up the research focuses of the IFAS . "This shows the variety of the institute which at the same time is our special characteristic, namely that we have defined research focuses within this structure going beyond research”, head of the institute Professor Dr. Henking says. "We always try to include and use the different abilities of the individual researchers." The individual centres emerged from the interests and resources of the persons involved. "No one pre-selected the focuses of the centres, they just formed in accordance with the research interests of the parties involved – because the abilities are given", explains the head of the institute.
Since the IFAS was founded, it could already pool diverse research projects. One of them is "AuGe", which is funded by the Bavarian State Ministry for Science and the Arts. "AuGe" is a German acronym for "Autonomie im Gesundheitswesen", which translates to autonomy in the health sector. "In this project, we research autonomy-related aspects of people in particular life situations.” One focus is placed on people in care facilities: "We placed our particular focus on the shaping of the last phase of life and self-determined end of life", explains Professor Dr. Henking. As part of the project, IFAS has developed the conversation guideline "Time to talk". This guideline aims to support a structured conversation with residents of care facilities about their plans and wishes for their last phase of life.
The IFAS also conducts research together with other higher education institutions and universities. The project initiated in cooperation with the University of Tübingen called CHECK.APP, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, is concerned with so-called symptom checker apps. These apps can be used to enter personal data prior to the doctor's appointment and to thus enter it into the software of the doctor's office. Artificial intelligence is used to collect information on individual symptoms and their severity, thus providing a pre-diagnosis of possible causes of the symptoms which the doctor can use as basis for their diagnosis.
The IFAS also maintains international cooperations. In this context, the project "HOMESIDE" should definitely be highlighted. This project focuses on the use of music and reading for people suffering from dementia, who are cared for at home by relatives. Some researchers of the institute also contribute to a project on work safety in the fire brigade. "We thus cover a broad and exciting variety", says Henking. In order to keep everyone up-to-date, a colloquium is held regularly during the semester. Its primary function is to act as a platform for exchange for IFAS members but it is also accessible for external interested parties.
A task relevant to society
Supporting research projects relevant to society - this is the main goal and task of the institute as Professor Dr. Henking sees it. "Our main objective is to research questions relevant to society from a perspective of social sciences and to share them with a broader audience.” She also cares deeply about young academics: “The IFAS offers young academics the chance to develop their own ideas and projects.” That is why ten doctorates are currently being completed at the IFAS.
When conducting research relevant to society it must of course also be communicated to society. "We emphasise representation at scientific congresses, publications and discussing with the scientific community", states Professor Dr. Henking. Because putting one's own research out there for it to be discussed and criticised, in order to consecutively improve it - that is what defines scientific work.
