Who We Are
"Put an integrally informed science in service of society, the planet and a healthy development of both" since 2008.
The Institute for Integral Studies (IFIS) is an independent research institute, yet linked to numerous universities in Germany and other European and non-European countries through its members and advisory board members.
IFIS sees itself as a transnational, inter- and transdisciplinary think tank. As a vessel of a community of integral researchers, the Institute carries out basic, theoretical and applied research. It acts as an experimental field for integral research and practice in a committed and respectful dialogue with various areas of society (e.g. science, politics, economics, art and religion).
IFIS was founded in Freiburg/Breisgau on September 20, 2008 by ten integrally informed researchers and practitioners from Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland. It was registered on November 25, 2008 as a non-profit association at the district court of Freiburg.
Donations to support its work are fully tax deductible.
Please visit our main website to explore IFIS's history, aims, values, vision and mission.
Meet the IFIS Board
Angelika Pohnitzer, MA
A system designer, facilitator, trainer and coach, Angelika facilitates transformation from a holistic point-of-view and is committed to finding the best fitting approach for any system and the individuals who are part of that system.
Dr. Bettina Geiken
With over 20 years of consulting experience in the development and coordination of transnational multi-stakeholder projects in Europe and neighbouring areas in the area of sustainability, participation and social innovation, Dr. Geiken's aim is to support the agency and coevolving of self and system in making room for the creation of better suited life affirming ecosystems.
[Read more...]
Dr. Elke Fein
Co-Founder, Managing Director of Institute for integral Studies (IFIS), Dr. Fein brings integral research to embodied practice. She is an expert and speaker on integral politics, Collaboratory design & facilitation, and Deep Democracy.
Advisory Board
IFIS's advisory board is comprised of dedicated researchers and practitioners in the field of Intergal theory. Members of the international advisory board and honorary members are specifically selected by the governance board for their merits for integral or like-minded research. They act as advisors to the governance board, enhance ongoing projects and address critical issues for the development of the Institute as a whole. [Learn more...]
Members
The Institute for Integral Studies has different types of membership: full member, associate member, and supporting members.
IFIS welcomes various types of participation, limited or extended in time and scope. Full members take responsibility for the further development of IFIS in all its respects. Associated members are participating in a specific area, project or function. Supporters share the overall spirit and the objectives of the IFIS and want to enhance its further development with additional means, whether or not they participate in events or projects.
Interested in joining us? Find out more on how you can participate and download the membership request form here.