NARP's research analyses environmental policy from a political science and governance perspective. We conduct applied and problem-oriented research and address socio-ecological challenges such as the use and protection of natural resources like forests, landscape, soil and water. Our geographical focus is primarily on Switzerland, Europe and North America.

To analyse topics such as multifunctional land use or the structure and interplay of ecosystem services, we work with a cross-sectoral approach. We use concepts of legitimacy, responsibility, effectiveness and sustainability to analyse the development and implementation of natural resource policies. We work with public administration, public service providers, natural resource users as well as other social scientists, natural scientists and engineers. We use comparative, evidence-based approaches as well as case studies.