What is the connection between spatial mobility and migration dynamics within the context of European integration? How do social groups and the state produce centres and peripheries? What role does space play in the discussion surrounding new social orders in Europe? And how do spatially based practices correlate with phenomena such as the social dissolution of boundaries and processes linked to globalisation? The answers to these questions bear social and political relevance as they form the basis of sustainable and regionally balanced development concepts.
Within the “Historical Geographies” research area, the IfL reconstructs the evolution of new methods and systems of thought in geography. It simultaneously investigates how theoretical approaches and schools of thought emerge and establish themselves in society, e.g. in the school subject of geography or the academic community. For that, the Archive for Geography at the IfL and the Central Geographical Library are important research infrastructures.
In order to convey the results of his research into social change to the academic world and an interested public, the IfL is purposefully using cartographic illustrations. The Institute is continually developing the high technical standard of his map production. And, as a society and as researchers, it is thinking about how, in an age of progressive digitisation, we will present, exchange or share geographic information by means of maps in the future.
The IfL cooperates closely with Leipzig University and is part of national and international research networks. As well as research the IfL is active in the areas of training and further education. Its activities include a scholarship programme for young foreign scientists, a work experience programme for geography students, focussing on human geography, and educational opportunities for school-leavers.
