The ForFamily research association brings together researchers from four Bavarian universities (Bamberg, Erlangen-Nuremberg, LMU and TU Munich) and two universities of applied sciences (Munich and Landshut) as well as two non-university research institutions (German Youth Institute and the State Institute for Family Research at the University of Bamberg). The ten sub-projects are rooted in social and cultural science disciplines. Each of the sub-projects conducts research on its own topic in its own discipline. In addition, the members work in close cooperation on three association-wide topics.
This complex endeavor is supported by a working structure that integrates functions and roles across the various partner institutions, disciplines and status groups:
The research association is represented externally by two co-speakers elected by the members: Prof. Dr. Paula-Irene Villa Braslavsky (LMU Munich) and Prof. Dr. Rita Braches-Chyrek (University of Bamberg).
Twice a year, the steering group discusses interdisciplinary cooperation within the association and prepares decisions, which are then deliberated and decided upon by the entire membership. The steering group consists of the co-speakers, one representative from each of the working groups on the association-wide topics, one representative from the group of academic staff and the coordination office.
The group of research assistants regularly exchanges information on their ongoing research work. On the one hand, this ensures mutual support for the qualification work and, on the other, a lively interdisciplinary exchange and learning process.
As an independent management unit, the coordination office advises and supports the interdisciplinary research process of all participants. It is managed by the Office for Research Association Management at the Department of Media and Communication at LMU Munich. The office team is the central point of contact for members, external partners and those interested in the association.
