The call addresses task forces in which researchers from the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences work with partners from (civil) society on a clearly defined issue relating to acute challenges to democracy in Germany or at EU level. Deadline: October 29, 2024

Reaching funding decisions by drawing lots? Although that might sound a little dubious, it is not. This is proven by a scientifically monitored experiment carried out by the Volkswagen Foundation, which concludes that a partially randomized selection procedure following the scientific reviews brings more diversity into the pool of grantees. The researchers asked by the Foundation to monitor the procedure arrive at some interesting insights in their overall assessment.

When we talk about cutting CO₂, we usually think of green electricity or transforming transport. However, a less obvious area – the building sector – offers huge potential for savings. A Kassel University researcher wants to combine biomaterials with digital manufacturing technologies and make them available for architecture.

'Political influences on epistemic practice' is the topic of the new call for proposals within the funding initiative "Researching Research: Collaborative Research Projects". Deadline for applications: October 30, 2024

Physicist Bianca Lim is responsible for strategic planning at the Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin, keeping research "at the cutting edge". She wants to help bring the production of solar modules back to Germany.

With the program "Pioneering Research – Exploring the Unknown Unknown", the Foundation supports groundbreaking and risky research ideas with high scientific relevance. Deadline for applications is Sept. 3, 2024.