Socires

About Socires

Socires is an independent Dutch centre for societal issues, focused on the question of what keeps a society together, livable, and viable. It is a non-profit foundation that conducts research, organizes symposia and other gatherings, and contributes to public debate on social cohesion, trust, and the conditions for a healthy civic life.

The organization works across several thematic programmes and combines academic inquiry with practical engagement. It advises businesses and governments, produces books, articles, podcasts, roundtables, and public events, and collaborates with universities and other knowledge institutions. Socires positions itself as a bridge between research, policy, and public conversation, with an emphasis on strengthening society through “structures of encounter.”

Core Values

• Social cohesion: Socires is driven by the idea that a healthy society is one in which people feel heard, recognized, valued, and connected to a larger whole.
• Dialogue and encounter: The organization emphasizes “structures of encounter” and seeks to create spaces where people and institutions can meet, deliberate, and cooperate.
• Independence and public purpose: As an independent, non-profit foundation, Socires presents itself as mission-led and able to work across sectors without commercial pressure.
• Intellectual responsibility: It stresses the public responsibility of science and intellectual life, aiming to deepen and enrich societal debate.
• Collaboration: Socires works with universities, knowledge institutions, governments, businesses, and civil society actors to address complex social questions.

Unique Aspects

• Structures of encounter framework: Socires distinguishes itself through its central concept that societies are strengthened by institutions and practices that bring people into meaningful contact and cooperation.
• Broad cross-sector convening role: It brings together actors from science, policy, business, education, politics, and civil society around shared societal challenges.
• Thematic programme model: Its work is organized into multiple programmes that connect topics such as European traditions, governance, business, meaning, and integral ecology.
• Publications and journal output: Socires not only hosts events but also produces books, essays, podcasts, and a twice-yearly journal, giving it a strong knowledge-dissemination profile.
• Non-profit foundation with donor support: The organization is funded through support from foundations, governments, businesses, and private individuals, and offers donor structures such as mecenas support, named funds, and bequests.