Structure
iacchos | Louvain-la-Neuve
A confederal structure
As a confederal structure, the Institute recognises that research dynamism lies at the level of its centres. The Institute's governance is therefore implemented through a collegial decision-making process, benefiting from research support policies that are cross-disciplinary, accessible to all members, and which bind the centres together in solidarity.
Based on a commitment to interdisciplinarity in the social sciences, IACCHOS aims to stimulate fundamental and applied research by promoting the plurality of approaches, epistemologies, methods and working languages that constitute the richness of the social sciences. In doing so, it seeks to build a shared epistemological culture of social change by seeking to articulate, rather than simply juxtapose, multiple perspectives on concrete research topics.
A cross-disciplinary team dedicated to research
To support its activities, the Institute relies on an administrative platform coordinated by Chantal Herman (administrative coordinator).
It comprises several departments :
- Institute Secretariat : Stéphanie Lorent
- Logistics and Accounting Unit : Aurélie Apat, Marie-Margueritte Hanon, David Van Wemmel
- Communication : Laura Vecchiato
Research centres and groups
Two complementary levels
The Institute brings together two types of research structures :
- The IACCHOS research centres are the main entities, comparable to research laboratories in other academic contexts (such as in France). They have a strong institutional base and operational autonomy.
- The IACCHOS research groups, on the other hand, are cross-disciplinary thematic spaces that promote synergies around shared research issues.
Support specific to each centre
En complément, chaque centre de recherche bénéficie d’un secrétariat dédié, qu’il soit propre ou mutualisé avec d’autres entités de l’Institut.
In addition, each research centre has a dedicated secretariat, either its own or shared with other entities within the Institute.
An ethics committee serving social science research
The Ethics Committee supports researchers in reflecting on the ethical issues of their research and submitting their projects for evaluation. This framework guarantees the quality and scientific responsibility of their work in the humanities and social sciences. The Committee is distinguished by its reflective and personalised approach, going beyond the simple issuance of a formal opinion (ethics certificate) . It promotes open and critical dialogue to enable the Institute's researchers to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and promote responsible research that is sensitive to the realities on the ground.
A hub to support you in your research
IACCHOS has a centralised space bringing together practical tools, useful documents and information about the life of the Institute. The HUB is a space for interconnection, exchange and facilitation of scientific knowledge. It provides structured support tailored to the research needs of researchers associated with the Institute.
Journals - The Institute's scientific showcase
Several scientific journals are backed by the Institute's research centres or groups.
They actively participate in the dissemination of research results and the promotion of scientific debate in the social sciences.
These peer-reviewed publications are open to both internal and external contributions and encourage diversity of approach. They embody the editorial dimension and scientific vitality of the IACCHOS Institute.