NCCR Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives

The NCCR Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives is an interdisciplinary research program based at the University of Lausanne dedicated to exploring the multifaceted aspects of vulnerability throughout individuals’ life trajectories. This program aims to generate comprehensive insights into how social, economic, health, and psychological factors intersect and influence vulnerability across different stages of life. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, including sociology, psychology, public health, and economics, the program endeavors to identify the root causes, manifestations, and consequences of vulnerability in diverse populations. The research fosters a deeper understanding of how vulnerability can be mitigated through effective policies, community interventions, and social support systems. The program emphasizes the importance of a longitudinal perspective, tracking individuals over time to capture nuanced shifts and patterns that traditional cross-sectional studies might overlook. Through innovative methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative research, the NCCR Overcoming Vulnerability aims to develop actionable strategies to promote resilience and equitable access to resources for vulnerable groups. Besides academic research, the program collaborates with policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations to translate findings into practical solutions. It also offers training and seminars for students and early-career researchers interested in vulnerability and resilience studies. Ultimately, this initiative aspires to contribute to a more inclusive society by informing evidence-based policies that address the complex realities faced by vulnerable populations worldwide. The program’s multidisciplinary focus, combined with its commitment to societal impact, positions it as a leading contributor to the understanding and overcoming of vulnerabilities across the life course.

The LIVES NCCR Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives program at the University of Lausanne offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex factors that contribute to vulnerability throughout an individual's life. This program is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and innovative research skills necessary to analyze social, psychological, economic, and health-related vulnerabilities that individuals and communities face across different stages of their lifespan. Participants will explore the mechanisms that lead to social exclusion, economic hardship, health disparities, and psychological distress, aiming to identify effective strategies for prevention and intervention.

The curriculum emphasizes a life course perspective, integrating insights from sociology, psychology, public health, economics, and policy studies. Students will examine empirical data through quantitative and qualitative research methods, learn to interpret longitudinal studies, and develop skills for interdisciplinary collaboration. Key topics include the influence of early childhood experiences on later life outcomes, the impact of socioeconomic background on vulnerability, and the role of social policies in mitigating risks. The program also addresses the resilience factors and coping mechanisms that individuals employ to overcome adversity.

Throughout the program, students will participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects that foster critical thinking and innovative problem-solving. They will have opportunities to engage with prominent researchers and practitioners working in social services, public policy, healthcare, and community development. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, policy analysis, social work, health promotion, and NGOs focused on social justice and community well-being. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications, the LIVES NCCR Overcoming Vulnerability program aims to contribute to designing effective solutions for vulnerable populations and fostering societal resilience.

The LIVES NCCR Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives program at the University of Lausanne requires applicants to hold a relevant undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor’s or an equivalent qualification in disciplines related to social sciences, psychology, sociology, public health, or anthropology. Prospective students are expected to demonstrate a strong academic record, reflective of their ability to undertake interdisciplinary research. In addition to academic credentials, applicants must submit proof of proficiency in English, such as TOEFL or IELTS scores, as the program's coursework and research activities are conducted predominantly in English.

Applicants are usually required to provide a motivation letter that clearly states their research interests and how they align with the program's objectives, emphasizing their motivation to study vulnerability and social inclusion across the life course. Additionally, a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic achievements, research experience, and relevant work experience is required. Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can attest to the applicant’s potential for rigorous research are also part of the application process.

The program may include an interview process as part of the admission procedure, during which applicants are assessed on their academic background, motivation, and readiness for interdisciplinary research. Fluency in multiple languages can be advantageous but is not strictly mandatory. Funding opportunities, scholarships, or financial aid instructions are generally provided separately, and applicants are encouraged to explore available resources through the university’s financial aid office. Overall, candidates demonstrating a strong interdisciplinary background, commitment to research on vulnerability, and clear research proposals aligned with the program's themes will be considered favorably. It is recommended to review the official university admissions portal for specific deadlines and additional documentation requirements.

The financing options for the NCCR Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives program at the University of Lausanne include a combination of funding sources primarily provided through research grants, institutional support, and scholarship opportunities. As a prominent research initiative funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), the program benefits from competitive research grants designed to support high-quality scientific investigations in the field of vulnerability across the life course. The grants cover various expenses including research staffing, data collection, analysis, and dissemination activities. In addition to external funding, the university provides internal financial support to facilitate research activities, including access to facilities, administrative assistance, and resources necessary for the successful execution of research projects.

Students and researchers involved in the program may be eligible for scholarships or fellowships aimed at supporting early career researchers, PhD candidates, and postdoctoral fellows engaged in related research activities. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs, promoting the retention of talented researchers within the program. Funding applications are typically managed through the university’s research office, with detailed proposals emphasizing the scientific merit, innovation, and societal relevance of the project. The program also encourages collaboration with international partners, which may open avenues for joint funding initiatives and additional financial resources through bilateral research agreements.

Moreover, the university offers a range of financial aid options such as travel grants for attending conferences, workshops, or fieldwork, and support for publishing research findings in open access journals. The program’s funding structure aligns with the university’s broader commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and supporting team-based projects that address critical social issues related to vulnerability throughout the life stages. Overall, the program’s financing strategy aims to ensure sustainability, foster innovation, and facilitate impactful research outcomes.

The LIVES NCCR Overcoming Vulnerability: Life Course Perspectives is a graduate-level program offered by the University of Lausanne that focuses on understanding the complex factors that contribute to vulnerability across the lifespan. This interdisciplinary program combines insights from sociology, psychology, public health, economics, and demographic studies to analyze how various social, economic, and health-related factors influence an individual's development and resilience over time. Students engaging in this program will explore the theoretical frameworks and empirical methods used to study vulnerability, with particular attention to lifelong processes and the material and social conditions that impact well-being. The curriculum is designed to equip students with advanced research skills, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, to investigate vulnerable populations and develop strategies for intervention and policy formulation. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and applying research findings to real-world issues related to social justice, health inequalities, and social policy. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, policy analysis, social research, and international organizations dedicated to social development and health. It emphasizes a comprehensive understanding of vulnerability from a life course perspective, encouraging students to critically evaluate existing social policies and implement innovative approaches to reduce disparities and promote resilience among marginalized groups. Coursework is complemented by seminars, workshops, and opportunities for field research, facilitating a thorough engagement with current issues affecting vulnerable populations worldwide. The program underscores the importance of ethical research practices and intercultural competence, fostering a global outlook among students. Graduates will be well-equipped to contribute to academic research, public policy design, and community interventions aimed at minimizing vulnerability and enhancing societal resilience.