Laboratory for Rural Studies

Composed of professors and researchers in sociology, economics, and geography from ISARA and professors and researchers in geography and history from Lyon 2 University, the Laboratory of Rural Studies (LER) conducts multidisciplinary research on closely intertwined topics: rurality, agriculture, and food. This research takes into account both the long term and the present, examining the interplay and changes in scale as well as the crossing of boundaries in rural areas and urban/rural relations, seeking to understand the transitions towards more sustainable and resilient food systems and regional development.

The LER is structured around several areas of focus.

• The first area focuses on the long-term analysis of the relationship between science and society, taking a fresh look at agricultural issues and the environment.
• The second area analyzes the processes of policy-making and implementation of public policies on issues related to food, the environment, agriculture, territories, and development.
• The third area examines transitions around issues of food, quality, and the organization of food systems. This is the most international area.
• The fourth area aims to re-examine rurality through the prism of pressing contemporary issues, taking an original and critical look at the era of urbanization and access to quality food. The ISARA teaching team is heavily involved in each of these areas through several research projects.