The Institute of Political Science (IPS) at the University Duisburg-Essen (UDE) is the largest institution for political science research in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). Working closely with a range of associated partner institutes at the UDE – the Institute for Development and Peace (INEF), the NRW School of Governance, the Institute for East Asian Studies, the Rhein-Ruhr Institute for Social Research and Political Counseling (RISP), and the Institute for Work, Skills and Training (IAQ) – the IPS has developed a unique and highly competitive research profile covering a number of particular issues in political science

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• Development and conflict studies;
• Comparative politics with a strong area focus on Europe, Africa and East Asia;
• Administrative studies including recent topics such as e-Governance and e-Democracy;
• Policy management, political communication and public opinion;
• Studies in urban and local policies.

The IPS is committed to theory-driven empirical research based on theoretical pluralism and draws on the full range of qualitative and quantitative social science methodology. Research at the institute is marked by the combination of basic science with applied research. Particular value is attached to the transmission of research results into society. Members of the IPS engage in political advisory work, in public communication through mass media, as well as in education and training.

The IPS and its associated partner institutes enjoy high standing among professionals and professional organizations in their respective fields of interest and, as a consequence, are commissioned practice-related research projects on a regular basis.