About us
Research on children, young people and families at the interface between science, politics and professional practice
The Deutsches Jugendinstitut (DJI; German Youth Institute) is one of the largest social science research institutes in Europe. Around 380 employees work at its two offices in Munich and Halle (Saale). The specialist units within the five research divisions investigate the living conditions of children, young people and families as well as the associated state welfare services and measures. Experts from the DJI have been advising policymakers and practitioners as well as federal, state and local authorities for over 60 years now. They analyse social trends, conduct scientific studies on new professional developments, prepare forecasts and contribute important impetus for professional practice.
Founded in 1963, the governing body of the institute is a non-profit association with members from the fields of politics, science and federations as well as child, youth and family welfare institutions. The institute is mainly funded by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMBFSFJ) and to a lesser extent by the federal states of Germany. Additional project funding is provided by other Federal Ministries as well as by foundations, the European Commission and science funding institutions.
The DJI works at the interface between science, specialist practice and politics on topics that can help to solve challenges that our society is currently facing. Scientific findings also arise from networked thinking and the exchange of knowledge, hence the DJI cooperates with higher education establishments such as the two leading universities in Munich (LMU and TUM), MLU Halle-Wittenberg and countless other research partners. A research alliance has existed with the TU Dortmund University since 2002.