About The Socioscope
Understanding what truly drives sustainable change
Our Mission
The Socioscope is a scientific research project to understand the transition toward more sustainable food systems. Through systematic research and community engagement, we identify, document, and analyze initiatives that embody sustainable transformation principles. Our database includes all types of food producers and transformers, grassroots movements, community-led projects, small and big industry, participatory governance experiments, collaborative problem-solving platforms from every continent — and more generally all initiatives that have impact on the transformation of the food system.
We collect data, analyse them, and produce models and recommendations. We publish our results in open access for the scientific community, the changemakers of the food system, and the general public. The Socioscope is non-profit, funded by the NOMIS research foundation and managed by two major scientific institutions: the Paris Institute for Advanced Study and the Vienna Complexity Science Hub.
Established
2022
Home Base
Paris, France
Global Reach
35+ Countries
Identification
Through network analysis, expert recommendations, and community nominations, we identify initiatives that demonstrate sustainable transformation principles.
Documentation
Our trained interviewers conduct in-depth conversations with initiative leaders and participants, capturing rich qualitative data about local food systems.
Analysis
Using AI-powered mixed methods, we analyze patterns across initiatives, identifying success factors, challenges, and transferable insights.
Dissemination
We share findings through publications, social media, and community engagement, ensuring knowledge reaches diverse audiences worldwide.
Our Values
Global Perspective
We recognize that sustainable change manifests differently across cultures and contexts, and we value this diversity as a source of learning and innovation.
Collaboration
We practice what we study, working collaboratively with research partners, community members, and initiatives to co-create knowledge about food systems.
Openness
We believe knowledge should be freely accessible. Our presentation of cases is open to all, supporting the global commons of sustainability research.
Ethical Practice
We conduct research with integrity, respecting participant autonomy, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring our work benefits the communities we study.
Get Involved
If you're a practitioner or community organizer, you can contribute to our shared understanding of sustainable food systems. Contact us if you want to become a member of the Socioscope community (it is free).