Center of Excellence in Interdisciplinary Life Course Studies (IET) 2015-2023

The Center of Excellence in Interdisciplinary Life Course Studies (IET) operated under the School of Governance, Law and Society at Tallinn University from 2015 to 2023. IET鈥檚 goal was to contribute to research within the focus area of open society and governance, including doctoral studies, by integrating diverse scientific fields, involving international cutting-edge research expertise, and supporting the initiation and implementation of high-level interdisciplinary research projects. These projects focused on life course studies in collaboration with sociologists, demographers, and political scientists. IET鈥檚 research collaborations focused on the development of life courses across different generations and social groups (by gender, nativity, ethnicity, health status, social status, education), considering institutional and social contexts as well as path dependencies in societal development. The center's work addressed different life stages (youth, middle age, old age) and life domains (family life, education, career, etc.).

Throughout its active years, IET organized numerous seminars, workshops, and courses. One of IET鈥檚 key activities was developing research infrastructures related to life course events. serves as a social science data infrastructure providing internationally comparable data for analyzing population and social development and for creating evidence-based policy solutions.

Selected Projects Involving IET:

IET Core Team 

Organized Events

In 2024-2026, IET鈥檚 work will continue under the Tallinn University Center of Excellence for Life Course, Well-being, and Open Society Studies (TEHA).