Research in the humanities and social sciences provides insights into the complex interrelationships between society, culture and technology. It delivers sound knowledge that strengthens democratic structures, supports technological innovation in a responsible manner, and ensures that cultural heritage can be utilised for the future.
A variety of research fields; Image created using AI
BMFTR
The challenges facing democratic societies are multifaceted: geopolitical tensions, anti-democratic mobilisations, and disruptive technological developments. Migration and integration, growing polarisation and even extremism are also altering the framework conditions of our coexistence. How can all these transformative processes be researched and shaped?
Through the framework programme “Orientation for a Changing World”, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) specifically funds research on topics that affect us all – now and in the future. These include resilient democracy and social cohesion, as well as the prevention of extremism and radicalisation. The aim is to gain scientific insights and translate them into concrete impetus for policy and society. After all, sustainable strategies emerge where expertise in the humanities and social sciences analyses social dynamics, highlights conflicts and identifies scope for action.
Find out more at Sustainable Democracies
Equally important for the innovative capacity of modern societies is how we deal with cultural diversity and cultural heritage. The latter must be made accessible to society. The ‘Culture and Society’ research area covers topics such as cultural heritage and social dynamics, societal change and practical solutions – for a way of living together that combines diversity, cohesion and innovation.
Researchers investigate how cultural heritage, social practices and societal structures shape life today and mould the future. Here, we reveal how historical experiences, traditions and innovations are interwoven and analyse which factors strengthen social cohesion, integration and democratic resilience.
Through interdisciplinary research, digital networking and practical projects, solutions are developed that directly support politics, education, the economy and civil society. From the analysis of cultural values and the study of social dynamics to new forms of knowledge transfer – this is where knowledge is generated that actively strengthens societies and provides guidance in a rapidly changing world.
Find out more under Culture and Society
Innovative research needs scope for development. From regional studies and Merian Centres, through the Käte Hamburger Colleges and minor subjects, to European funding programmes – the new GSW framework programme opens up far-reaching prospects for researchers. At the same time, it creates new spaces for experimentation and freedom, where researchers can set their own topics and drive scientific developments forward. Both nationally and internationally. Only a scientifically diverse and internationally competitive research landscape can provide the expertise required to address pressing contemporary issues. The BMFTR therefore supports both topic-specific research and funding formats that give researchers the freedom and scope to pursue research questions of their own choosing.
Find out more at Opportunities for the GSW
Through its funding, the BMFTR helps to harness the potential of data for innovative research approaches and to open up new perspectives on social, cultural and technological issues. Last but not least, sustainable technological progress that enjoys broad acceptance and enhances a society’s competitiveness can only be achieved through the consistent integration of insights from the humanities and social sciences.
Digital Humanities combine traditional humanities and social sciences with state-of-the-art technology. Using digital tools, large datasets and innovative methods, researchers are exploring language, history, culture and society in entirely new ways. From the analysis of historical documents and digital cultural heritage projects to AI-supported research approaches – Digital Humanities make knowledge visible, measurable and usable for politics, education and society. This generates new insights that explain social developments, tap into cultural resources and provide guidance in a rapidly changing world.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) brings new opportunities, but also challenges. It has the potential to fundamentally transform many areas of life. This makes it all the more important for the humanities and social sciences to research, understand and help shape these transformative processes – for the benefit of people. The BMFTR provides targeted funding opportunities for this purpose.
Find out more at Shaping Technological Transformation
