The VolkswagenStiftung Foundation is inviting applications for interdisciplinary research projects that examine how concepts, theories, and research findings from the humanities and social sciences are repurposed in political and ideological contexts. The programme supports project teams with up to €650,000 in funding over two years to advance responsible research, science communication, and reflection on the societal use of academic knowledge.

What Is the VolkswagenStiftung Research Grant?

The VolkswagenStiftung Research Grant supports innovative interdisciplinary research exploring the “dual-use” effects of knowledge produced in the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences.

The programme investigates how academic ideas, theories, and research findings are transferred, adapted, or repurposed within political, ideological, and societal contexts. It also encourages the development of responsible approaches to research, theory-building, and science communication.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Support exploratory interdisciplinary basic research on dual-use effects.
Examine how concepts, theories, and research findings are repurposed beyond academia.
Promote reflection on the philosophy of science.
Develop reception-sensitive approaches to theory-building.
Balance academic freedom with responsible research practices.
Improve responsible science communication.
Generate knowledge that supports the ethical use of humanities and social science research.

Research Focus Areas

Projects should fall within one or more of the following fields:

Humanities
Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Science Studies

Interdisciplinary collaboration across these fields is strongly encouraged.

Research Themes

The programme supports research that explores topics such as:

Dual-Use Effects

Projects examining how research findings from the humanities and social sciences may be used, interpreted, or repurposed in different political, ideological, or societal contexts.

Knowledge Transfer

Research investigating how academic ideas move from universities into public, political, cultural, or institutional settings.

Philosophy of Science

Projects exploring:

Scientific responsibility.
Theory development.
Knowledge production.
Academic freedom.
Ethical dimensions of research.

Responsible Science Communication

Research that develops approaches for communicating academic findings responsibly while considering their potential societal impact.

Funding Information

The programme provides funding for interdisciplinary research teams consisting of two or three researchers.

Funding available:

Up to €450,000 for project teams with one Principal Investigator (PI) and one Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI).
Up to €650,000 for project teams with one Principal Investigator (PI) and two Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs).

Project duration:

Up to two years.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

Researchers holding a PhD.
Researchers employed at German universities.
Researchers employed at German research institutions.

International participation:

Researchers with a PhD from international research institutions may participate as Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs).

Team Composition

Applications must be submitted by interdisciplinary research teams consisting of:

One Principal Investigator (PI).
Up to two Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs).

Projects should demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration within the humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, or related fields.

Why This Grant Matters

Academic research increasingly influences public debate, policymaking, media narratives, and ideological discussions. Understanding how research findings are interpreted and repurposed helps strengthen responsible research practices while protecting academic freedom.

The programme supports:

Interdisciplinary collaboration.
Responsible knowledge production.
Ethical science communication.
Research integrity.
Reflection on academic responsibility.
Innovation in humanities and social science research.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

Confirm that the Principal Investigator meets the eligibility requirements.
Form an interdisciplinary research team consisting of one PI and up to two Co-PIs.
Develop a research proposal aligned with the programme objectives.
Clearly explain the project’s interdisciplinary approach and expected contributions.
Prepare a detailed research plan, budget, and timeline.
Demonstrate how the project addresses dual-use effects, responsible research, or science communication.
Submit the completed proposal before the application deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application mistakes:

Submitting proposals outside the programme’s research focus.
Failing to demonstrate interdisciplinary collaboration.
Providing unclear research objectives.
Not explaining the societal relevance of the project.
Preparing unrealistic budgets or timelines.
Ignoring eligibility requirements for Principal Investigators.

Tips for a Strong Application

To strengthen your proposal:

Build a genuinely interdisciplinary research team.
Clearly define your research questions and objectives.
Demonstrate the originality of your proposed research.
Explain the project’s broader societal significance.
Show how your research contributes to responsible science communication.
Include a well-structured methodology and realistic work plan.
Highlight the expertise of all team members.

Key Definitions

Dual-Use Effects

The potential for academic concepts, theories, or research findings to be applied in ways that extend beyond their original scholarly purpose, including political, ideological, cultural, or societal contexts.

Interdisciplinary Research

Research that combines knowledge, methods, and perspectives from multiple academic disciplines to address complex questions.

Philosophy of Science

The study of the principles, methods, ethics, and assumptions that shape scientific research and knowledge production.

Science Communication

The process of communicating scientific research and findings to academic audiences, policymakers, media, and the general public in an accurate, accessible, and responsible manner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the VolkswagenStiftung Research Grant?

The programme funds interdisciplinary research exploring how concepts, theories, and findings from the humanities and social sciences are repurposed in political, ideological, and societal contexts, while promoting responsible research and science communication.

Who can apply?

Principal Investigators must hold a PhD and be employed at a German university or research institution. Researchers with PhDs from international institutions may participate as Co-Principal Investigators.

How much funding is available?

Project teams may receive up to €450,000 for two investigators or up to €650,000 for three investigators over a funding period of up to two years.

Which research fields are eligible?

The programme supports projects in the humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, and science studies, particularly those involving interdisciplinary collaboration.

How long can projects last?

Projects may receive funding for up to two years.

Can international researchers participate?

Yes. Researchers from international research institutions who hold a PhD may participate as Co-Principal Investigators, although the Principal Investigator must be employed at a German university or research institution.

Why is this programme important?

The programme promotes responsible research by examining how academic knowledge influences society, politics, and public discourse. It helps researchers better understand the ethical implications of knowledge transfer while supporting academic freedom and improving science communication.

Conclusion

The VolkswagenStiftung Research Grant provides substantial funding for interdisciplinary teams investigating the societal impact and dual-use effects of research in the humanities and social sciences. By supporting innovative basic research, reflective theory-building, and responsible science communication, the programme strengthens understanding of how academic knowledge is transferred beyond universities and encourages ethical, evidence-based engagement with complex societal challenges.