Goethe University Frankfurt and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) have announced a significant step in their ongoing scientific collaboration in the field of childhood studies. The two prestigious universities have signed a cooperation agreement to establish ‘The Center for Childhood and Child Welfare in Context’.
This collaboration builds upon a long-standing partnership between Goethe University and Hebrew University, which has been characterized by extensive research, support for early career researchers, and excellence in university teaching. Notable joint initiatives include the International Study of Children’s Well Being, the activities of the International Society for Child Indicators, and research on child sexual abuse inquiries in both Germany and Israel. Furthermore, an annual German-Israeli master’s seminar has been conducted since 2016.
The primary purpose of this research cooperation is to deepen and expand their academic and scientific collaboration in childhood research and social science research. The new centre for Childhood and Child Welfare will focus on a range of critical topics, including children’s well-being, children’s rights, children’s welfare, vulnerability, violence, abuse, and neglect. In addition, it will explore questions related to professionalization, quality, digitality, digitalization, global warming, biodiversity, and the environment. The centre aims to give children a voice, address issues of precarity and vulnerability, and examine age as a social category.
The centre will involve academic researchers from various disciplines, such as childhood research, family research, educational science, pedagogy, migration research, social work, and healthcare from both universities. The ultimate goal is to become an integral part of the international childhood studies community and enhance global networking in this field.
Professor Asher Ben-Arieh, Dean of the School of Social Work and Social Welfare from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating: “This collaboration between The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Goethe University Frankfurt is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing research in childhood studies. By joining forces, we aim to provide a brighter and more secure future for children worldwide. Through our combined expertise and dedication, we can make a real difference in understanding and improving the lives of children and families.”
Goethe University President Prof. Enrico Schleiff: “I am delighted to see our two universities pool their respective strengths and potential even more in the field of childhood research, which is so important to our society. The Center for Childhood and Child Welfare in Context further intensifies and expands our existing close cooperation. I would like to thank everyone involved at both universities, first and foremost among them Prof. Asher Ben-Arieh and Prof. Sabine Andresen, for their great commitment to making this future-oriented international cooperation possible.”
Prof. Sabine Andresen, Professor of Educational Science at Goethe University Frankfurt, with a focus on social pedagogy and family research: “Our experiences with the master’s seminars especially, in which students from Frankfurt and Jerusalem not only learn together, but also discuss and compare what it was like to grow up in both countries, have led us to deepen the cooperation. For students who will later work in youth welfare offices or as child protection specialists for example, this exchange about both systems, about tailor-made services or barriers to the protection of children and adolescents is game-changing. We also found that a lot of friendships have emerged from these seminars.”
The research cooperation places a strong emphasis on academic advisory boards, data protection, research data management, and confidentiality to ensure the ethical and secure conduct of research activities.
In conclusion, the cooperation between Goethe University Frankfurt and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem signifies a significant step forward in advancing childhood studies and strengthening international collaboration in this field.
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem is Israel’s premier academic and research institution. With over 25,000 students from 90 countries, it is a hub for advancing scientific knowledge and holds a significant role in Israel’s civilian scientific research output, accounting for nearly 40% of it and has registered over 11,000 patents. The university’s faculty and alumni have earned eight Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal, underscoring their contributions to ground-breaking discoveries. In the global arena, the Hebrew University ranks 86th according to the Shanghai Ranking. To learn more about the university’s academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements, visit the official website at http://new.huji.ac.il/en
Goethe University Frankfurt is a distinguished public research university with a rich history dating back to 1914. Named in honor of the iconic German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the university upholds a steadfast commitment to academic excellence and innovation. Home to a diverse community of students and renowned academic staff, Goethe University offers an extensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across a wide range of fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, law, economics, computer science, and engineering. With a strong emphasis on research and an extensive network of research centres, the university is at the forefront of scientific advancements and fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity and exploration. Goethe University Frankfurt remains a beacon of scholarship and intellectual endeavor, contributing significantly to the academic and cultural landscape of Germany and beyond. To learn more visit the official website at https://www.goethe-university-frankfurt.de/en?locale=en
Disclaimer: In these challenging times of war and crisis, Hebrew University of Jerusalem is resolute in its dedication to advancing research and education. We stand in full support of the brave individuals on the frontlines, safeguarding our nation and the well-being of all Israelis, and extend our deepest gratitude and unwavering solidarity to our community and fellow citizens. Together, we shall prevail against the challenges that confront us, and our shared commitment to the well-being of all Israelis and the pursuit of knowledge remains resolute.