Research
The Laboratory of Labour Economics and Sociology (LEST) is a joint research unit (UMR7317) between the CNRS and Aix-Marseille University, which carries out research at the interface between economics, management and sociology, focusing on changes in organisations, work, training and employment.
His research is based on an interdisciplinary and empirical approach, aimed at analysing contemporary changes in the world of work across their organisational, economic, social, territorial and institutional dimensions.
The laboratory is part of national and international research initiatives, working in collaboration with academic and socio-economic partners.
Research areas
The LEST’s research covers a wide range of topics, including, but not limited to:
- changes in labour markets, economic activities, working conditions, and educational and career pathways
- the forms and developments of organisations and labour relations against a backdrop of ecological and social transitions
- inequalities and social regulations
- public policies, particularly in the areas of employment and training
- Innovative approaches and pilot schemes relating to governance, training, access to employment, the use of resources or inter-organisational cooperation
The LEST’s work is organised around three main areas of research:
- Change, Organisation, Transition (COT)
- Youth, Education and Mobility (JEM)
- Risks, Standards, Industrial Relations (RINOREP)
A well-established scientific community
Building on the national and international recognition of its work, LEST is continuing to develop its scientific strategy by strengthening its international collaborations and its involvement in major research networks.
LEST members are involved in international organisations such as EGOS (European Group on Organisation Studies), EMES (International Research Group on Social Enterprise), or the’ISA (International Sociological Association) and Work-Net International.
The laboratory pays particular attention to the quality and dissemination of its scientific output, notably through publications in journals with an international readership and the development of key collaborative projects.
Members of the laboratory also serve on journal editorial boards or are involved in open science initiatives such as the Peer Community in Organisation Studies or the open-access journal Work Chronicles.
LEST also supports its members’ academic careers by promoting the process of obtaining accreditation to supervise research (HDR) and helping young researchers integrate into scientific networks.
Projects and promotion
The laboratory is involved in national (ANR) and international (Horizon Europe) research projects, which form the basis for some of its activities and foster interdisciplinary and international collaboration. The laboratory also carries out research projects with numerous socio-economic partners through various contracts, notably CIFRE theses.
It is developing an active policy for disseminating its work, as part of an open science approach: publications listed on HAL, seminars, scientific events and outreach activities aimed at various audiences.
Life in the laboratory
LEST is underpinned by a dynamic collective scientific life, punctuated by seminars, workshops and working groups. A team of research support staff provides expertise in many key areas of research (documentation, scientific and technical information, information systems and research tools, financial management, communications, human resources and logistics).
It pays particular attention to supporting PhD students and early-career researchers, as well as to fostering a collaborative and open working environment.
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