The IRPPS is an interdisciplinaryresearch institute that conducts studies on social, demographic, and migratory themes, as well as on welfare systems, social policies, science policy, technology, and higher education. It also explores the relationships between science and society, as well as the creation, access, and dissemination of knowledge and information technologies.

The Institute identifies and studies the fundamental mechanisms that govern population trends and behaviours, along with the characteristics and implementation of welfare policies. Established in 1980, IRPPS is dedicated to and promotes rigorous, ethical, and participatory social research, conducting its studies at the international, national, regional, and local scales.