First "Transatlantic bridge professorships" approved
#Democracy
Jonas Willingstorfer für VolkswagenStiftung
Political scientist Daniel Ziblatt, historian Mariana Cândido and legal scholar Russell Miller are receiving funding from the Volkswagen Foundation under the "Transatlantic Bridge Professorships" programme.
"Exchange rather than isolation" is the Volkswagen Foundation's response to the current challenges in relations with the USA. There, isolationist and nationalist tendencies in politics are on the rise. Academic freedom is coming under pressure. Yet research thrives on openness, trust and international cooperation. With this conviction, the Volkswagen Foundation launched the "Transatlantic Bridge Professorships" call for applications in 2025. It is aimed at internationally recognised researchers in the humanities and social sciences who are currently working in the USA in the fields of democracy, fundamental rights, academic freedom or transatlantic relations and who would also like to continue their research at German universities or research institutions. The funding enables annual periods of residence in Germany to strengthen exchanges between colleagues alongside research, with a view to building transatlantic bridges.
Three projects by renowned researchers were approved in the first round of selection
- Prof. Dr Daniel Ziblatt, Harvard University and the Berlin Social Science Centre (WZB): "Abdication? Civil Society Leaders and the Defense of German Democracy". About the project: What responsibility do influential figures from business, academia, the churches, the media and trade unions bear for the protection of democracy – and when do their actions, silence or evasion strengthen or weaken democratic resilience? Planned start: Autumn 2026.
Prof. Russell Miller LL.M., Washington and Lee University and Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg: "Transatlantic Constitutionalism: Between Civilization and Culture".
About the project: Why do the US and Europe use the same constitutional principles—such as democracy, rights and the rule of law—yet often interpret them differently from a historical and cultural perspective? Planned start date: summer 2027.
Mariana P. Cândido, Emory University and Leibniz Universität Hannover: "Migration and Democracy in the Atlantic World".
About the project: How do 500 years of experience of migration, slavery and colonialism continue to shape issues of belonging, rights and democratic participation in the Atlantic world today? Planned start: Summer 2027
Applications for the "Transatlantic Bridge Professorships" may be submitted at any time. However, it is recommended that you contact the program manager, Dr Johanna Brumberg, in advance.
