The pluridisciplinary research group GIRSEF (focussed on sociology, psychology and education) was founded in 1998 at the Université catholique de Louvain. The main purpose of the group is to develop fundamental research in the education and training field. The research developed so far is principally centred on education and training systems regulation. Since October 2007, the Girsef has grown to welcome new colleagues and new research teams. Our research priorities are now organised around 3 fields held by 3 units :

- Education policies and school systems evolution
- Instructional practices and environment, motivation and learning
- Life course, training and profession