Volkswagen Foundation experiments with new peer review method
In the funding initiative "Open Up – New Research Spaces for the Humanities and Cultural Studies", the foundation is testing a new review process: "Distributed Peer Review". Dr. Hanna Denecke, team leader in the "Exploration" profile area, explains the experiment.
The Volkswagen Foundation is funding the virtual Ukraine Institute for Advanced Study with almost one million euros. The opening and the first conference have now taken place in Berlin.
In a two-part funding offer, the Foundation is looking for transdisciplinary project teams to draw up recommendations on how democracies must develop in order to master the multiplicity of societal challenges. Application deadline for 'task forces': Sept. 19, 2023
Until June 30, 2024, researchers who participate in peer reviews for the Volkswagen Foundation can receive 10,000 euros in additional funding. Henrike Hartmann and Selahattin Danisman explain the unusual experiment.
Following its initial emergency assistance for Ukrainian researchers who have sought refuge in Germany, the Volkswagen Foundation is now offering support to those who remained in their home country – or want to return there – with two new projects.
Manganese Nodules and Microorganisms: Life Fuelled by Radioactivity?
Radioactivity is generally considered harmful to life. Yet in manganese nodules in the deep sea, microorganisms might benefit from it. Or even live off it? This is the intriguing hypothesis that geoscientist Walter Geibert hopes to prove.
Climate Research Using Old Ship’s Logs: the Wind Leaves no Trace on the Sea
Did a volcanic eruption in 1783 shift the tropical rain belt? Old ship’s logs could provide the answer – and also shed light on the future climate for millions of people living around the equator.