Jacobs Center

Established in 2003, the Center is a joint venture between the University of Zurich and the Jacobs Foundation dedicated to interdisciplinary, developmental research to improve the lives of children and youth. 

The Jacobs Center’s research examines the challenges presented by the transition people face going from childhood to adolescence and adulthood. As an innovative, collaborative, interdisciplinary, and international research institution, it conducts theory-based empirical research that considers individual, institutional, and societal influences. Nine professorships have been established in the fields of psychology, sociology and economics, studying the impact of various social, psychological and economic factors on the development of young people.  They examine the role of families, schools, and society on development, and the mental and physical health problems encountered in childhood and adolescence.

The Center organizes international and national symposiums for the international scientific community.