Research, educational practice and knowledge transfer since 1949
 

JFF investigates how media shape the lives of children and young people. We combine empirical research with innovative educational practice and translate our findings into practical concepts, projects and resources.

This close connection between research and practice has defined the work of JFF since 1949. Research findings provide the basis for our educational activities, while experiences from practice generate new questions for research. In this way, we develop approaches that respond to current technological and social developments as well as to the everyday realities of children, young people and families.

Our work is aimed at children and young people, parents and families, educational professionals, researchers, policymakers and all those who are involved in shaping media education.

What we do

Research

JFF conducts research into how children, young people and adults use, understand and shape media. We examine the opportunities and challenges associated with digital media and consider the social, cultural and personal contexts in which media use takes place.

Our research activities include qualitative and quantitative studies, evaluations, monitoring projects and expert reports. The results contribute to academic debate, educational practice and political decision-making. They also form the basis for the development of new media education concepts and resources.

Educational practice

JFF develops and tests innovative approaches to media education. Our projects enable children and young people to explore media creatively, critically and independently. They produce films, audio formats, photographs, games and digital content, take part in festivals and youth media groups, and use media to express their perspectives.

We also support educational professionals, teachers, social workers and parents through workshops, training courses, consultation and practical resources. Our aim is to strengthen their ability to guide children and young people through an increasingly digital world.

Knowledge transfer and consultation

An important part of our work is making knowledge from research and practice accessible to a wider audience. JFF publishes studies, handbooks, teaching materials and practical resources. We organise conferences, professional events and training courses and provide consultation and evaluation services.

JFF is also the publisher of merz | media + education, an independent specialist journal that addresses current developments in media education from academic and practical perspectives.

Our areas of focus

Our current work addresses a broad range of topics, including:

• digital transformation and artificial intelligence
• gaming and digital games
• photography, film and audio
• social media
• participation and democracy
• inclusion and diversity
• children and families
• child and youth media protection
• media education in early childhood education, schools and youth work
• cultural education

These topics are closely connected. We therefore work across disciplines and bring together perspectives from education, social work, communication studies, psychology, sociology and cultural studies.

Our approach

JFF focuses on the perspectives, interests and rights of children and young people. We understand them as active participants in a society shaped by media, not merely as media consumers.

Media education is therefore not only about recognising and avoiding risks. It is also about enabling people to participate, express themselves, develop their creativity and make informed decisions. Our work is guided by participation, inclusion, diversity, democratic values and the rights of children and young people.

Locations

JFF operates from several locations:

JFF headquarters in Munich

The headquarters bring together the research and educational practice departments as well as administration, communications and the editorial team of merz | media + education.

JFF Media Centre Munich

The Media Centre Munich supports children, young people, youth media groups and professionals working in youth services. It offers training, technical support, media production facilities and opportunities for young people to create and publish their own media content.

JFF Media Centre Augsburg

The Media Centre Augsburg develops and supports media education projects in Augsburg and the surrounding districts. Its activities include workshops, youth media productions, festivals, training courses and services for families and educational professionals.

JFF Berlin Office

The Berlin Office brings together staff from research and educational practice. It initiates and coordinates local and nationwide projects and works closely with educational institutions, policymakers and professional networks in Berlin, Brandenburg and across Germany.

JFF also cooperates with a wide network of partners throughout Germany and participates in national and international research and education projects.

Organisation and leadership

JFF – Institute for Media Research and Media Education is operated by the non-profit association JFF – Jugend Film Fernsehen e. V.

The association is chaired by Prof. Dr Birgit Dorner.

Since 2026, JFF has been jointly led by:

• Dr Susanne Eggert, Director with responsibility for professional and strategic leadership
• Axel Geißendörfer, Managing Director

Contact

JFF – Institute for Media Research and Media Education
Arnulfstr. 205
80634 Munich
Germany

Phone: +49 89 68 989 0
Email: jff@jff.de