Motus RealisQuestion
We define the research question with a partner or from our own scientific interest.
Istituto di Studi Sociali, Milan
Interdisciplinary research and knowledge in service of society
A non-profit research institute bringing together sociologists, economists, political scientists and educational researchers to study contemporary social phenomena — and to make the results usable.
Established
2026
Based in
Milan, Italy
Legal form
Non-profit association
Codice Fiscale
95259270106
Research that starts from real phenomena
Motus Realis means “real movement” — observe what is actually happening, study it methodically, and return an analysis people can use.
Motus Realis – Istituto di Studi Sociali is a non-profit association with registered office in Milan, established in 2026. It was founded by researchers and professionals from different disciplinary backgrounds — sociology, political science, economics, cultural and educational studies — united by an interest in a rigorous, in-depth understanding of contemporary social phenomena.
Our work is addressed to public institutions, research bodies, other third-sector organisations, and to anyone seeking to better understand the society they live in. We work with universities, research institutions and public and private bodies, in Italy and internationally.
- Sociology
- Political science
- Economics
- Cultural studies
- Educational studies
Six areas of activity
From original studies to the printed volume they end up in.
01 / 06
Social research
Qualitative and quantitative studies on issues of collective interest: social, cultural, educational, migration-related and economic-social.
02 / 06
Applied research projects
Development of research projects in collaboration with public and private bodies, including within funding programmes and calls.
03 / 06
Publishing
Production of articles, reports, informational materials and digital content to share our research findings.
04 / 06
Printing and production
Layout, graphic design and printing of reports, collections and association materials, from design to the finished print run.
05 / 06
Education and culture
Organisation of conferences, seminars, workshops and study groups on topics related to social research.
06 / 06
International cooperation
Exchange of knowledge and collaboration with researchers, institutions and communities in other countries.
Printing as part of working with knowledge
Research does not end with an online publication. Part of our material — reports for partners, methodological guides, collections of findings — is also prepared in printed form: we design the layout, choose the paper and binding, and work with Milan-based print shops for small, carefully produced runs.
This lets us hand our work to institutional partners, libraries and universities in a finished, carefully crafted form — as serious research deserves.
How a study moves
Every project follows the same five stages, from the first question to the partnership that continues after it.
Data
We collect qualitative and quantitative data: interviews, surveys, statistics, documents.
Analysis
We analyse the material across several disciplines, checking findings against existing research.
Publication
We present results in accessible form — from digital publication to print editions.
Collaboration
We share results with partners and community, looking for further joint work.
To produce solid scientific knowledge about social phenomena — and make it accessible to those who need it.
We work at the intersection of several social science disciplines, in the belief that contemporary phenomena — from migration dynamics to cultural change, from shifts in education to economic and social issues — require analytical tools able to move beyond the boundaries of any single discipline.
Rigour
Our work is grounded in solid qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Interdisciplinarity
We combine perspectives and tools from different disciplines.
Accessibility
We translate research into clear content, useful in public policy and social planning.
Collaboration
We work with universities, public bodies, other associations and research centres.
International openness
We promote the exchange of knowledge and good practices across borders.
Transparency
We manage our activities and resources transparently.
Projects in preparation
Descriptions of our research and social projects will appear here as they launch, with goals, progress and results.
In preparation
Information about the first project will be published here once it launches.
In preparation
Information about the second project will be published here once it launches.
In preparation
Information about the third project will be published here once it launches.
Ways to work with us
Motus Realis is open to collaboration with universities, research centres, public bodies, foundations and other third-sector organisations, in Italy and abroad. We also welcome new members — ordinary, supporting and honorary.
Researchers and academic institutions
Interested in scientific collaboration.
Public and private entities
Interested in co-designing projects or partnering on grants.
Individuals
Interested in becoming members or supporting members.
Supporters
Anyone who would like to support the work with a donation.
Our work can also be supported through free donations. To propose a collaboration or request information, write to us.
Write to usRegistered office
Milano, Via Privata del Gonfalone 3
Phone
02 7310 3796
Certified email (PEC)
Motus Realis – Istituto di Studi Sociali
Non-profit association
Codice Fiscale: 95259270106 · Milano, Via Privata del Gonfalone 3