Profile area Societal Transformations

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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

  • 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

  • January 10, 2024 Online Q&A Session 'Cooperation Projects'
    January 30, 2024 Application deadline 'Cooperation Projects'

    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: task forces, cooperation projects
  • A new call for cooperation projects is planned for November 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
  • December 05, 2023 Stichtag
    August 07 to 09, 2024: Theme Week on Ethics of Science

    Theme Week on Ethics of Science: Ethical Dimensions of AI Research and AI in Research

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

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    • area of research: humanities and social sciences
    • funding for: organization of a scientific symposium within a theme week on ethics of science in August 2024
  • March 01, 2024 Deadline for collaborative projects
    Dec. 19, 2023: Online Q&A '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 and engineering, if required social sciences
    • type of funding: research projects
  • March 25, 2024 Deadline for pilot projects (phase 1)
    March 2025: Deadline for full proposals (phase 2)

    Transdisciplinary Approaches to Mobility and Global Health

    The call is directed at researchers from HICs and LMICs, in close collaboration with local communities, non-academic stakeholders and other relevant actors. It is jointly initiated by the three independent private foundations Novo Nordisk Foundation (Denmark), Wellcome (Great Britain) and Volkswagen Foundation.

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    • areas of research: social sciences, life & health sciences
    • funding for: international collaborative projects
  • 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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  • No open call

    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
  • The funding offer is currently being revised. Information on the successor program is expected to follow in fall 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