They are highly regarded throughout the world: the humanities and social sciences in Germany. Thanks to their research, which is both historically grounded and relevant to the present day, they foster a profound understanding of humanity, society, technology and culture.
‘Guidance for a Changing World’ programme (2026–2032)
BMFTR
The humanities and social sciences help us to understand societal developments, contextualise complex challenges and reflect on political, economic and cultural decisions. Particularly in a world undergoing rapid and disruptive change, this academic expertise is indispensable for making informed decisions.
Through the framework programme “Guidance for a Changing World”, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is strengthening the humanities and social sciences as a central pillar for shaping our society. The aim is to conduct a thorough analysis of current social, technological and cultural challenges and to develop solutions that are committed to fundamental liberal-democratic values and promote human well-being.
Global shifts in power, geopolitical tensions, anti-democratic mobilisations, and disruptive technological developments – democratic societies face diverse and complex challenges. These developments can only be effectively addressed if their social, political, ethical and cultural dimensions are taken into account. This is precisely where the humanities and social sciences contribute their expertise – in a nuanced, problem-oriented and practical manner. Technological and digital transformation, too, will best serve the common good if it is shaped jointly by the technical, humanities and social sciences.
The current framework programme, which is also anchored in the High-Tech Agenda for Germany, provides long-term support for research into how to address current and future societal challenges.
The BMFTR Framework Programme enables the humanities and social sciences to contribute constructively to the positive development of society. The Framework Programme provides the overarching structure for the ongoing funding of institutions and projects, as well as for new funding opportunities that the BMFTR will publish in the years 2026–2032 in the following thematic areas:
Research examines how democratic societies can remain stable, resilient and inclusive – despite geopolitical tensions, technological upheavals and social polarisation. A particular focus is on democracy research, the prevention of extremism and radicalisation, and peace and conflict research.
New technologies such as artificial intelligence are fundamentally changing our lives. The programme supports accompanying research in the humanities and social sciences to analyse opportunities and risks, strengthen societal acceptance and shape technological innovations responsibly.
Tangible and intangible cultural heritage is regarded as a resource for social cohesion and innovation. Funding is provided for projects that translate historical knowledge into the present, strengthen interdisciplinary research and develop new applications for education, politics and culture.
The programme creates scope for researchers, supports international cooperation, small disciplines and the further development of disciplines in terms of content. This strengthens the innovative capacity and visibility of the humanities and social sciences and secures their central role in the German research system.
Funding is provided for research projects that specifically address the societal challenges mentioned above. At the same time, funding formats will be maintained and further developed that grant the academic community the freedom to evolve, for example by offering the opportunity to set innovative research topics themselves or to conduct research in international contexts. Furthermore, the humanities and social sciences will also be structurally strengthened by promoting the sustainable networking of projects and disciplines, as well as the further development of disciplines in terms of content.
The GSW framework program sustainably strengthens research in the humanities and social sciences within the German research system, thereby contributing to its excellence, openness to the world and international competitiveness.
Particular emphasis is placed on the transfer of research findings into practice. This includes:
Research findings are made available where they are immediately needed to enable positive social change.
Click here for the research areas of the framework programme “Guidance for a Changing World” (2026–2032)
Information on the funding guidelines for the humanities and social sciences in German can be found under “Funding”.
