Profile area Societal Transformations
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
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Change! Fellowships
Learn moreOur target group: Personalities from science who are researching transformation processes jointly with non-academic partners.
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area of research: all disciplines
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funding for: own position
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Theme Week 'Multiple Crises – Strained Resources'
Learn moreResearchers at universities and research institutions in Germany (optionally with international co-applicants) can apply with their symposium.
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area of research: Economics (social and cultural science if applicable)
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funding for: organization of a scientific symposium within a theme week from 15 to 17 April 2026
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Transformational Knowledge on Democracies under Change – Transdisciplinary Perspectives
Learn moreThe call addresses persons from science together with actors outside of academia 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
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type of funding: task forces, collaborative projects
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Circularity with recycled and biogenic resources
Learn moreThe 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
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type of funding: research projects
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Perspectives on Wealth: Repercussions of Wealth
Learn moreThe call is aimed at (inter-)national research consortia, collaborations with partners from LMICs are preferable, transdisciplinary consortia possible.
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area of research: Humanities, cultural and social sciences, economics (lead); cooperations with natural, life, data and technical science possible
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type of funding: (inter-)national cooperation projects with up to five partners
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Transdisciplinary Approaches to Mobility and Global Health
Learn moreThe 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
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funding for: international collaborative projects
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