What we do

NISSU creates opportunities for networking, collaboration, communities of practice and interdisciplinary engagement. By bringing social scientists and other infrastructure professionals together under one professional home, NISSU enables members to connect, exchange knowledge, skills and experience, learn from one another, collaborate on professional opportunities and collectively respond to complex infrastructure challenges. The network also provides a platform for members to discover employment, consultancy and other professional opportunities.

NISSU further extends networking beyond the organisation itself. Because its members work across different consultancy firms, ministries, departments, agencies and other institutions, the network creates valuable connections across organisations and sectors. This enables members to build professional relationships beyond their immediate workplaces, access diverse expertise, and establish collaborations that enhance both individual careers and the broader contribution of social scientists to infrastructure development.

NISSU strengthens the knowledge, skills and competencies of social scientists working in, or aspiring to work in, infrastructure development — so they can contribute effectively to the planning, development, implementation, supervision, monitoring and sustainability of infrastructure projects.

Our approach goes beyond conventional training. NISSU identifies and mobilises the expertise already available among its members, connects members with relevant knowledge and competencies, and promotes their practical application in infrastructure projects. We support continuous learning through professional forums, workshops, seminars, mentorship, knowledge-sharing sessions and practical learning opportunities — and we promote monitoring, performance assessment and evaluation to determine what works, what does not, and what can be improved.

NISSU promotes the professional recognition, visibility and credibility of social scientists as essential contributors to infrastructure development. We provide a professional home where social scientists can build a shared professional identity, connect with peers and demonstrate the value of their expertise in infrastructure practice.

We advocate for the recognition and mainstreaming of social considerations throughout the project life cycle — from planning and design to implementation, monitoring, evaluation and sustainability — and promote professional and ethical standards that guide responsible practice, respect for human rights, accountability and integrity.

NISSU advocates for the recognition and effective integration of social science in infrastructure development. We provide a collective platform for the representation of social scientists, promoting fair working conditions, professional recognition and meaningful opportunities to contribute expertise throughout the project life cycle.

We also recognise the importance of protecting the interests, rights, welfare and livelihoods of people affected by infrastructure projects. Through collective advocacy, NISSU promotes the early identification, prevention and effective management of project-induced social risks; compliance with contractual, regulatory and social obligations; and effective implementation of commitments made to project-affected people.