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Practical Research

The institute researches socially relevant and practical issues of media and communication. The spectrum of research areas ranges from media use and impact to health communication and privacy. The employees are also involved in various research projects. The institute's research is always based on a broad spectrum of methods and utilises interdisciplinary approaches, benefiting not least from the dynamic environment at TU Dresden.

The transfer of knowledge to society also plays an important role at the institute. This can be seen, for instance, at the annual "IfK Praxisforum", where Bachelor's and Master's students present their excellent, practically relevant research projects and theses.

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Wichtige Themen im Überblick

Fields of Research

The IfK's research is diverse. It is dedicated to traditional fields of research such as political communication and the reception and impact of media, as well as newer fields that have become increasingly important to society and science in recent years - such as privacy, science communication and health communication. Bachelor's and Master's students also benefit from the diverse expertise of IfK staff, who can choose courses on a wide range of topics. On the following pages, we present all research fields in detail.

Research Projects

Research at the IfK is project-orientated and is always dedicated to new, relevant questions. On the one hand, this applies to the students, who plan, carry out and present their own research projects in their seminars. On the other hand, IfK researchers are involved in various research projects with partners both inside and outside TU Dresden. Clients and sponsors include the media, cultural institutions, companies and state or European institutions. On the following pages you will find an overview of current and completed projects.

Doctorate

Research at the IfK is innovative. It is characterised by the many young scientists who do their doctorates, research and teach at the IfK. Even students are given the opportunity to present the research projects from their theses and engage in dialogue with society at the IfK Booster Association's regular Praxisforum. The IfK is also involved in various interdisciplinary programmes such as the Boysen-TU Dresden Graduate School and the Schaufler Kolleg@TU Dresden. On the following pages you will find all the important information about doctoral programmes at the IfK and the research training groups.

Research Infrastructure

The institute is not only active with various projects in numerous fields of research, it also offers premises and equipment for qualitative and quantitative surveys. Key components of our research infrastructure are our membership of the Center for Methods in the Social Sciences and the Smart Home Lab associated with it.