DAAD Helmut-Schmidt-Programme Scholars attend DIFIS International Scientific Workshop in Bremen

The workshop convened highly relevant representatives from academia, politics and practice across Europe to discuss how public opinion shapes the design, reform, and legitimacy of welfare states in the context of demographic ageing, migration, labour market flexibilisation, and the green transition. Moving beyond purely institutional analyses, discussions focused on how citizens’ perceptions and attitudes shape the legitimacy of social policies in a changing welfare landscape. Across two days, 24 research papers were presented in eight parallel sessions covering migration and immigration policies, family and care policies, pension systems, labour market reforms, eco-social and redistributive policies. 

For the participating students and faculty, the workshop offered valuable exposure to current empirical approaches, comparative perspectives, and methodological debates- providing impulses for ongoing research projects and upcoming Master’s theses. For students in particular, it was an oppertunity to engage with practitioners and see how theory and survey research translate into real-world social protection policies, showing how public perceptions shape policy implementation and acceptance.

The programme extends its gratitude to the DAAD German Academic Exchange Service for supporting this academic exchange.