Department Presentation

Presentation

The Department of Political and Social Sciences (DSPS) at the University of Florence was established in 2013 and today represents one of Italy's main hubs for the study of political and social phenomena. It brings together a community of about one hundred people—including professors, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and administrative and technical staff—united by an interdisciplinary approach to studying the transformations of contemporary society and a strong international outlook.

The Department's scientific expertise ranges from political science to sociology, and from political philosophy to contemporary history, institutional history, the history of political thought, and international relations, offering complementary perspectives to understand the transformations of contemporary societies. This wealth of knowledge makes it possible to address topics such as the quality of democracy, public policy, social inequality, migration, sustainability, communication, conflicts, and the dynamics of economic and spatial development in an integrated manner.

DSPS research activity is distinguished by its scientific quality, international openness, and focus on the key challenges of our time. The Department participates in numerous national and international research projects and develops studies that combine solid theoretical foundations, rigorous empirical methodologies, and constant attention to the implications for public policy and public debate. Interdisciplinarity represents one of its main strengths, fostering collaboration across different disciplines and the generation of innovative knowledge.

DSPS is the primary affiliated Department of the "Cesare Alfieri" School of Political Sciences, contributing to its academic offering through bachelor's and master's degree programs, international double-degree paths, university master's programs, and doctoral studies. Teaching is closely integrated with research and aims to train graduates who can interpret the complexity of political and social processes by combining strong theoretical, methodological, and applied skills. A network of collaborations with European and non-European universities, alongside participation in international mobility programs, further enriches the educational experience.

Alongside research and teaching, the Department promotes the enhancement and dissemination of knowledge through scientific outreach, public engagement, and collaboration with institutions, schools, businesses, and civil society organizations. In doing so, it contributes to spreading political and social culture and transferring knowledge to the local community, strengthening the dialogue between the university and society while providing a qualified contribution to understanding and managing the transformations of the contemporary world.

Below are the research centers affiliated with the Department: