Profile area Societal Transformations

humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

In this profile area, the Foundation supports research that expands and critically reflects on the body of knowledge on transformation processes with different focal points. We want to gain a better understanding of how such processes develop and the possibilities for science to influence and shape them. We encourage researchers to involve actors outside the sphere of academia in their projects, for example through participatory research or joint science communication. The aim is to better understand processes of transformation in order to anticipate important future challenges through fact-based scientific knowledge and, at the same time, to develop options for social action.

The profile area "Societal Transformations" aims to

  • identify "day-after-tomorrow" issues with the involvement of various stakeholders;
  • analyze and identify transformation challenges and promote research ideas that explore concrete transformations and identify options for action;
  • understand transformation processes and explore the contribution of science to such developments;
  • create framework conditions for transformation processes and encourage researchers to think about the transfer of their research into societal structures.

Current funding offers within the profile area

  • Currently no application possible

    Challenges and Potentials for Europe: Intergenerational Futures

    The call "Challenges and Potentials for Europe: Intergenerational Futures" is aimed at international research groups from the social sciences, cultural studies and humanities. 

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  • March 01, 2024 Deadline for collaborative projects

    Circularity with recycled and biogenic resources

    The current call within the funding line 'Collaborative projects' of this initiative is primarily targeted at the natural sciences and engineering.

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    • area of research: natural sciences, engineering
    • type of funding: research projects
  • June 21, 2023 Networking Event on Earth System Sciences (online)
    November 15, 2023 Deadline

    Earth System Sciences

    The offer is aimed at universities in Germany with a focus on geosciences that wish to establish one or two junior professorships with tenure track.

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    • area of research: Geosciences
    • funding for: 1-2 junior professorships with tenure track per University location
  • July 17, 2023 Application deadline for summerschools
    A new call for cooperation projects is planned for summer 2023

    Perspectives on Wealth: The (Re-)Production of Wealth

    The call is aimed at (inter-)national research groups, inter- and transdisciplinary teams are possible.

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    • area of research: Humanities, cultural and social sciences (lead); Cooperation with natural, life, data and technical sciences possible
    • type of funding: cooperation projects (international/national; summer schools and workshops
  • The funding offer is currently being evaluated. Pre-proposals are expected to be accepted again in the fall of 2023.

    Pioneering projects "Societal Transformations"

    This funding offer addresses PhD holders at  universities and research institutions in Germany who develop research projects that produce transformational knowledge. 

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    • area of research: all disciplines
    • type of funding: inter- and transdisciplinary as well as (inter)national research projects
  • Please note: application is closed
    06. bis 08.11.2023 Thematic week in Hannover

    Thematic week: Human rights in times of multiple challenges – perspectives from science and society

    Researchers at German universities and research institutions (all career stages after the doctorate) can apply.

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    • area of research: Humanities and social sciences
    • aimed at researchers at German universities/research institutes, possibly intl. co-applicants
  • Mai 2023: Veröffentlichung von Ausschreibungsdetails

    Transformational Knowledge on Democracies under Change – Transdisciplinary Perspectives

    The call addresses persons from science and (civil) society who are interested in transdisciplinary research and aim at jointly developing new perspectives on democratic forms of government under change.

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    • area of research: Humanities, cultural and social sciences (lead); Cooperation with natural, life, data and technical sciences possible
    • type of funding: participation in networking workshop, task forces, cooperation projects