up to 1 million Euro for 3 partners, up to 1.5 million Euro for 5 partners

up to 4 years

research teams working on European challenges

consortia involving 3-5 principal investigators from at least 3 different European countries, with main-applicant from a German university/research institution

additional benefits: funding for communication of science and research

Objective 

For some years now, Europe has been facing a number of serious challenges which cause severe frictions among European states and can only be addressed collectively. Among them are economic crises, social inequality, migration, populism and nationalism, the erosion of democracy, disinformation, terrorism, and cyber security.

In light of these challenges, the Foundation encourages researchers to develop research-based impulses for future cooperation within Europe. It wants to stimulate basic research on issues affecting Europe and the European Union, encourage comparative studies, and strengthen academic collaboration among European scholars. 

Scope of Funding

The call targets scholars in the humanities, social and cultural sciences. Funding can be provided for the constitution of European research groups comprising up to five principal investigators (PIs) from at least three different European countries. The main applicant needs to be affiliated with a German university or research institution. A collaboration with researchers from Southern and Eastern Europe is particularly desirable. The scientific qualification of young scholars has to be a central element of each research project.

The requirements for the call are currently being revised, information will follow in April 2021. Applications must be submitted via the electronic application system of the Volkswagen Foundation.

Background

In light of numerous crises within Europe in the past years, there have been two calls by the Volkswagen Foundation with the topic "Challenges for Europe" in 2017 and 2018 (in 2018 together with the Italian foundation Compagnia di San Paolo and the Danish Carlsberg Foundation). This year the initiative "Challenges for Europe" is solely organized by the Volkswagen Foundation.

For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.