The flagship project BEHAVIOUR IN CRISIS LAB aims to conduct interdisciplinary research on the mechanisms shaping individual and societal behaviors during global crises.
Social crises, emergency situations, and disasters are an inherent part of human existence, often leading to profound changes in the lives of individuals and societies. They challenge established power structures, norms of conduct, and even the existence of specific individuals or groups, causing significant suffering. These events also expose weaknesses in social and political systems, leading to tensions and conflicts.
At the same time, crises can create opportunities for positive transformation. A deep understanding of their nature, dynamics, and the behaviors of individuals and groups in difficult situations allows us to better prepare for future challenges and emerge stronger.
- Refugee Crisis – research on helping behaviors toward war refugees, solidarity with refugees, and refugee situations.
- Youth in Crisis – studies on the impact of crises on young people, including their health, political participation, and vulnerability to radicalization.
- Jagiellonian Panel 2002+ – a series of panel studies of individuals entering adulthood (18+) that take into account situations which can be described as crises, not only on an individual level but also in social, geopolitical, and economic dimensions.
- Mental Health in the Organization – diagnosis of the mental health situation and its determinants in the academic environment, and the development of recommendations. Analysis of the role and effectiveness of social assistance institutions in times of crisis.analysis of the role and effectiveness of social assistance institutions in times of crisis.
- Social and Political Crises – research on the breakdown of democratic institutions, political beliefs, political polarization, and the impact of digitalization in crisis contexts, radicalization, and extremism.
- Climate Crisis – studies related to climate crisis, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and environmental degradation.
We adopt an innovative and interdisciplinary approach to studying the mechanisms underlying behavior in crisis situations. Our methodology combines quantitative and qualitative research, encompassing panel analyses, experiments, modeling, and machine learning techniques. These are complemented by data gathered from interviews and focus groups.
We focus both on fundamental research and on developing and testing solutions and social innovations. By integrating advanced research methods from various disciplines, we strive for a deeper understanding of individual, group, and societal processes that shape the dynamics of behavior in crisis situations.
As a Laboratory, we follow the guidelines of recognized scientific organizations, such as: