# BIFAK

> German research institute

**Wikidata**: [Q795962](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q795962)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bifak

## Summary
BIFAK (Bochumer Institut für angewandte Kommunikationsforschung) is a German research institute founded in 1998. It operates as an organization dedicated to conducting research and is affiliated with the Ruhr University Bochum.

## Key Facts
*   **Full Name:** Bochumer Institut für angewandte Kommunikationsforschung
*   **Inception:** 1998
*   **Location:** Germany
*   **Parent Organization:** Ruhr University Bochum
*   **Type:** Research Institute
*   **GND ID:** 5541437-0
*   **VIAF ID:** 144035647
*   **Website:** http://www.bifak.de/ (German language)

## FAQs
### Q: What does the acronym BIFAK stand for?
BIFAK stands for "Bochumer Institut für angewandte Kommunikationsforschung" (Bochum Institute for Applied Communication Research).

### Q: When was BIFAK founded and where is it located?
The institute was established in 1998 and is based in Germany.

### Q: Is BIFAK an independent organization?
While it is classified as a research institute, structured data indicates it is a part of the Ruhr University Bochum.

## Why It Matters
BIFAK serves as a specialized entity within the German academic landscape, focusing on applied communication research. As a research institute, its primary purpose is to generate new knowledge through systematic investigation, distinct from the teaching-focused obligations of a standard university department. By operating under the umbrella of Ruhr University Bochum, it contributes to the broader research capabilities of the institution, specifically addressing inquiries related to communication.

## Notable For
*   **Specific Focus:** Dedicated to "applied communication research" as indicated by its full German name.
*   **Academic Affiliation:** Functions as a constituent part of Ruhr University Bochum.
*   **Library Classification:** Uniquely identified in library cataloging systems via its GND ID (5541437-0) and VIAF ID (144035647).

## Body

### Identity and Naming
BIFAK is the acronym for the **Bochumer Institut für angewandte Kommunikationsforschung**. The name denotes a facility focused on the practical application of communication studies (angewandte Kommunikationsforschung). It is classified formally as a **research institute**, defined as an organization whose primary purpose is to conduct research rather than teaching or commercial activity.

### Organizational Structure
The institute is structurally integrated into the higher education system of Germany. It is listed as a part of **Ruhr University Bochum**. This classification places it within a university environment, though its function as a research institute implies a dedicated focus on generating new knowledge and systematic investigation, distinct from the general curriculum delivery of the university.

### History and Timeline
According to archived records, BIFAK was established in **1998**. The institute maintains a web presence at `http://www.bifak.de/`, which is hosted in the German language.

### Identification and Authority Control
BIFAK is indexed in major international authority files to ensure disambiguation and proper cataloging.
*   **German National Library (DNB):** It holds the GND ID **5541437-0**.
*   **Virtual International Authority File (VIAF):** It is indexed under the ID **144035647**.

These identifiers link the entity to library systems and semantic web data, categorizing it alongside other research organizations globally.

## References

1. [Source](http://web.archive.org/web/20120308032818/http://www.bifak.de/)