Individualization in Changing Environments

Individualization in Changing Environments

February and September 2026

Individuals differ from one another in many ways - even in cases of genetic similarities and shared environmental contexts in which they live. Why and how such differences arise, what consequences they have for individuals and their actions, and how these differences affect the communities in which individuals live is still largely unclear. These questions are addressed in very different research areas across various disciplines, with differences in the understanding of individualization and in their focus.

However, the view that the process of individualisation is driven by interactions between individuals and their physical, biological and social environment, and influenced by factors at various levels, is increasingly gaining ground. Developing a comprehensive understanding of the causes and consequences of individualization requires an interdisciplinary approach and constant exchange between researchers.

To this end, the focus group brings together researchers from several research initiatives and more than ten disciplines, including biology, psychology, sociology, philosophy, economics, and medicine. The aim is to consolidate existing knowledge about processes of individualization and to close research gaps with regard to the causes and consequences of individualization through innovative, interdisciplinary approaches.