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In einer Kunstaktion stehen Menschen auf einer Fibonacci-Folge auf der Wiese vor dem Reichstagsgebäude in Berlin
News 16 February 2024

From citizens' councils to feminism on TikTok – task forces investigate democracies in transition

Liberal democracy is a basic prerequisite for a scientific landscape with independent freedom of research. But how can we protect our democratic structures? And what dangers are they exposed to? Ten newly funded research projects are dedicated to these and other highly topical questions of democracy research.

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Illustration, die zwei Hände zeigt, die einen Vorhang öffnen
Basic research
Grafik mit jungen Menschen, die politische Botschaften auf einer Demonstration von sich geben.
Democracy and Science
Bach vor einzelnen Häusern in weiter Landschaft, im Hintergrund hohe Berge
Global Engagement
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Stories

Foto einer einzelnen Manganknolle
Story 15 July 2026

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.

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Satellitenansicht der Innertropischen Konvergenzzone
Story 09 June 2026

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.

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