Research Units
Research Units are created to enhance specific disciplinary or interdisciplinary expertise within the Department and across Departments, or to coordinate the drafting and execution of national and international research, knowledge transfer, and innovation projects. Department Boards may approve the establishment of Research Units.
The Research Units established within the DSPS address some of the main challenges of contemporary society through a strongly interdisciplinary approach. Their areas of activity range from the analysis of social and cultural transformations on a global scale to reflections on political and philosophical theories of globalization. Particular attention is devoted to migratory phenomena and integration policies, as well as the relationships between society, territory, and urban space. This focus is rounded out by studies on labor market transformations and models of inclusive economic development and social cohesion, complemented by research activities and collaborations in the fields of accessibility, population aging, and data science.
Active Research Units in the Department
CAMBIO – Social Transformations Research Laboratory
Coordinator: Prof. Angela Perulli
Involved Institutions: DSPS, University of Siena, University of Sassari, and University of Turin
IRMI – Interdisciplinary Research Unit on Migration
Coordinators: Prof. Silvia Pezzoli and Prof. Alberto Tonini
Labfileglob – Laboratory of Philosophy of the Global Era
Coordinator: Dr. Leonard Mazzone
LABORIS – Labor Science Laboratory
Coordinator: Prof. Annalisa Tonarelli
Involved Institutions: DSPS, DSEI, DSG, and Faculty of Communication Sciences (University of Teramo)
LabSo – Sociological Laboratory on Design, Architecture, City, and Territory
Coordinator: Prof. Leonardo Chiesi
Involved Institutions: DSPS, DIDA, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine
TIES – Trajectories of Inclusion and Growth in Contemporary Societies
Coordinator: Prof. Luigi Burroni
Participation in Research Units of Other Departments
Florence Accessibility Lab (FAL) – Department of Architecture (DIDA). Coordinator: Antonio Lauria (DIDA). DSPS Participant: Prof. Leonardo Chiesi
Design and Innovation for the Sustainability of "Made in Italy" Enterprises and Territories – Department of Architecture (DIDA). DSPS Participant: Prof. Leonardo Chiesi
Florence Ageing Research Centre (Age – Florence) – DISIA Department. DSPS Representative on the Management Committee: Prof. Luigi Burroni
HC.GYM.S.C – Interuniversity Research Center "Human-Centre-Gym.Now.Sium_Sport and Culture" – Department of Architecture (DIDA)
UNIRES – Interuniversity Research Center "Italian Centre of Research on Universities and Higher Education System" – DSPS Participant: Prof. Luigi Burroni
DATA LIFE LAB – Joint Laboratory with the Department of Economics and Management (Lead Department). Scientific Director: Prof. Anna Pettini
Last update
17.09.2026