Hub consists of three parts:
The hub is coordinated by the Faculty of Social Sciences but its activities encompass all four campuses.
Societal security is built on a society's ability to maintain its essential functions, structures, and identity in the face of various threats, crises, and changes, whether these are natural disasters, armed conflicts, pandemics, or disruptions caused by technological changes.
It encompasses the economy, environment, technology, democratic systems, and human well-being, as well as the continuity and adaptability of culture, language, and communities. The construction of societal security involves all actors: states, municipalities, associations, communities, and individuals.
Research on societal security inherently includes the acknowledgment that security is not evenly distributed; due to social inequalities and differences, some individuals may experience more security than others. Sustainable societal security is built on successful social policies and positive population relations.
Research in societal security also examines how perceptions of security and its threats are constructed, how security is constructed and what are the cascading effects of security measures.
In times of significant transformations, it is essential to understand security in a multidimensional, multi-voiced, and profound way. This is necessary for building a sustainable and secure future for people, communities, and the planet.
Currently, discussions and thoughts on security tend to become one-dimensional, dominated by questions of military security. However, these represent only a part of the challenges we face today. Building a sustainable future requires that we do not focus only on addressing the immediate challenges and crises. We must also consider slower and less visible trends that can change societal security.
Transforming societies and changing environments also challenge established ways of thinking about and producing safety. For example, how can preparedness for exceptional circumstances be ensured when public trust in authorities has weakened?