About us

Universitat Internacional de Catalunya

The Institute for Advanced Family Studies (IESF) was founded in 2004 by the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya together with support from the Joaquim Molins Figueras Foundation.

It is the first university-level institution in Spain to focus exclusively on family policy.

Family policy is now a major area of study throughout Europe and prestigious research institutes and entities specialised in this field have been established in numerous countries. Family policy education has a great influence on the nature of family-related policies, on both national and international levels.

The IESF responds to the need felt by many social agents (public administrations, trade unions, companies and associations) that look to the Institution for efficient collaboration as well as scientific and interdisciplinary assistance in the founding and shaping of family policy.

The IESF is the first family-focused Institute to incorporate activities carried out by FERT, an organisation for parent education with over 30 years of experience directing Family Enrichment Programmes and working closely with thousands of families over the years.

Research, training, transmission of knowledge, teamwork, international vocation and consultancy with both public and private entities are among the IESF's daily endeavours.

Objectives

General Objectives

  1. To contribute to social progress and development through family-oriented academic work.
  2. To spread knowledge and awareness about family-related issues.
  3. To provide rigorous and scientific knowledge on the modern state of the family and, in light of this knowledge, to propose possible actions to social agents.
  4. To create and develop an international network of family-oriented entities and experts from different fields and countries for the free exchange of knowledge and experience.

Specific Objectives

  1. To become a documental, statistical and bibliographic entity of reference in family policy throughout the Spanish-speaking and European world, using new technologies.
  2. To develop specific online training courses.
  3. To spread knowledge and publicise research findings through seminars and symposiums.
  4. To train experts in family policy.
  5. To provide university-level “vocational training” for parents.
  6. To achieve a dynamic presence among national and foreign family-oriented entities, and to actively participate in public debate.