To diffuse knowledge for and with society at large
INED researchers study changes as they occur in populations and population groups in France and across the world. They do research on population dynamics (fertility, migration, mortality) and a vast range of associated topics: movement and mobility, couple situations, housing, education, health, and many others, while drawing on and combining contributions from a wide spectrum of disciplines: demography, of course, but also sociology, economics, history, geography, statistics, and epidemiology to name a few.
To work from a multidisciplinary perspective
INED research studies are often directly tied to current developments (changing family types, individual longevity, environmental issues, fertility trends, international migration and ethno-racial discrimination, among others). They are therefore of interest to an extremely wide range of people: political decisionmakers; economic actors; associations, advocacy groups, and cultural organizations; and any citizen who wants to learn more about social issues and questions.
To train researchers through the practice of research
Every year, the Institute hosts doctoral students and offers a number of post-doc work contracts, thereby providing young researchers with a springboard for developing their academic careers. Doctoral students benefit from scientific accompaniment during their thesis research and writing, and INED is also there to prepare and advise them on professional integration.
To be a reference, influential research center in France and the world
INED organizes and takes part in scientific conferences and conventions in France and across the world, participates in major framing agreements, continually hosts French and international teacher-researchers, thereby supporting researcher collaboration and mobility. The Institute also has a long tradition of conducting research in and with Global South countries.
INED’s missions as defined in the Code de la Recherche
Specifically, INED’s missions are defined as follows in the Code de la Recherche articles R327-1 and following:
- INED undertakes, develops and encourages, on its own initiative or at the request of the government, all forms of research on population issues;
- It evaluates, conducts or commissions all relevant research into population issues and all research contributing to the economic, social and cultural development of the country;
- It collects research data, centralizes and develops all research in France or abroad relevant to its field of activity, and keeps the government and public authorities informed of all knowledge acquired;
- It contributes to training in research and through research in its different areas of expertise;
- It informs the public about demographic issues;
- It disseminates French demographic research internationally and develops demographic information while promoting the use of the French language.
