A space for analysis, debate and reflection that aims to study current issues and the challenges facing society, as well as to spread knowledge of the social sciences.
What we do
Social Observatory of ”la Caixa” Foundation is a space for analysis, debate and reflection that generates scientifically-based knowledge on social issues through its own studies and competitive calls.
With the aim of enriching public debate and stimulating critical thought, Social Observatory communicates the knowledge generated through publications, interviews and cycles of activities held at the CaixaForum centres.
Social research calls
Social Observatory supports research in social sciences through three types of competitive call: the Social Research Call, Flash Calls and the Connect Call.
Social Research Call
The annual Social Research Call for Spain and Portugal promotes high-quality knowledge in order to understand and identify the challenges facing our society through studies based on quantitative data. The call is open to social research projects of any kind and provides financial support of up to €115,000, with a maximum duration of 24 months.
Flash Call
The Flash Calls for Spain and Portugal support quantitative research projects based on surveys. These calls focus on promoting research projects related to current social issues that also aim to provide rapid results which are then passed on to society. The maximum financial support for each project is €35,000.
Connect Call
The annual Conecta call for proposals is aimed at research projects carried out by multidisciplinary teams. The objective is to encourage collaboration between academia, the tertiary sector, and public administration to collect data that will help find solutions to social issues.
This call offers funding of up to €100,000 for projects with a maximum duration of 24 months.
Consult all the information related to the social research calls on the Social Observatory website.
Spotlight
Education and social (re)integration after imprisonment
Education and Training Programs (ETPs) help develop skills and plan for the future, but do they truly prepare inmates for the job market?
Management training as a strategy for social mobility and inclusion
This study reveals how management training can transform Portuguese SMEs. The results are based on a survey of more than 600 entrepreneurs.
Gender and political views in Europe: Is the divide widening among youth?
Discover how social networks shape the political views of young people in Europe, widening the gender gap.
Well-being and life satisfaction among Portuguese youth
The study investigates the factors that influence the life satisfaction and well-being of young Portuguese people, emphasising the importance of health, self-esteem and social involvement.
Young people, opportunities and futures
What challenges do young people face in Portugal and Spain? In the second dossier of the Social Observatory, we analyse aspects such as performance in the education system, integration into the labour market or emancipation from the family home.
Research and Innovation in Portugal and Spain
What are the factors that define a country’s research and innovation system? The first Dossier from the Social Observatory of the ”la Caixa” Foundation analyses the case of Spain and Portugal in international comparison.
Documents of interest
Social Observatory 2024
We generate and communicate knowledge in social sciences.