Youth Research Institute

The Youth Research Institute, established in 2021 through a collaboration between Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) and the Nézőpont Institute, is dedicated to advancing the understanding of younger generations, particularly within Hungary and the broader Central European region. Sociologist, Dr. Levente Székely, is the Director of the Institute and also heads the MCC Center for Sociology. The team comprises experts dedicated to youth studies, contributing to both academic research and practical applications in the field.

Mission and Objectives:

• Research Excellence: Conduct comprehensive studies on youth-related topics, including education, cultural identity, social behavior, and political engagement, to inform public policy and societal development.
• Educational Integration: Incorporate research findings into MCC's educational programs, enhancing the academic experience and fostering a deeper understanding of youth dynamics among students and faculty.
• Public Engagement: Disseminate research outcomes through publications, conferences, and media appearances to influence public discourse and contribute to community building.

The institute regularly publishes research findings in peer-reviewed international journals and other platforms to share valuable insights into youth trends and issues. Aside from articles, they also put out an annual report on the state of Hungarian youth, full-length books, as well as booklets.

Several events over the course of each year are hosted by the institute that bring together scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to discuss youth-related challenges and opportunities. One of their aims is to develop partnerships with similar institutes globally to exchange knowledge and best practices in youth research. Aside from this, education is also a top priority: university and high school level courses, classes and workshops are held throughout the year by the Youth Research Insitute’s staff.

Initiatives:

• Youth and Generation Studies: Launched to provide a platform for scholarly articles on youth and generational issues and phenomena, inviting contributions from researchers worldwide.
• TÉKA podcast: explores youth issues, societal trends, and cultural phenomena through expert discussions and in-depth analyses.

Through its multifaceted approach, the Youth Research Institute aims to contribute significantly to the understanding and development of youth, shaping policies and educational practices that reflect the needs and aspirations of the younger generation.