Sustainable democracies

A wide range of developments – including climate change, geopolitical tensions, technological change, and demographic shifts driven by an ageing population and migration – are having a profound impact on social cohesion and people’s lives.

In the coming years, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) will be stepping up its funding for research into democracy. The aim is to gain a better understanding of how democratic societies in Europe and worldwide are responding to current challenges and how they can withstand crises, polarisation and inequalities. This also involves fostering trust between the state and its citizens.

Social cohesion also remains a key focus. The BMFTR continues to support the Research Institute for Social Cohesion (FGZ), which investigates what unites people in a diverse society, where tensions arise, and how division and polarisation can be overcome.

Another priority is research into the GDR. The academic reappraisal of the GDR’s past is important for further consolidating democracy and resilience in a united Germany. New research priorities at universities are intended to secure this work in the long term.

Research into extremism and radicalisation is being broadly supported. Particular focus is placed on antisemitism, right-wing extremism, racism and Islamism. Research findings are to be incorporated more effectively into practice in order to protect democratic values and improve prevention.

Peace and conflict research takes on particular significance in the face of global crises – such as the Russian attack on Ukraine. It examines the causes of conflicts and provides knowledge that helps politics and society find peaceful solutions. This also includes funding for research on Eastern Europe, migration and refugees.

Finally, the BMFTR is investing in research data infrastructures that create a solid foundation for social science and humanities analyses. Funding is being provided for, among other things, the Data Portal for Research on Right-wing Extremism and Racism (DP:Rex), Monitoring Electoral Democracy (MEDEm), and international projects such as SHARE, the European Social Survey (ESS) and CESSDA.

With these funding priorities, the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) will consistently strengthen the potential of the humanities and social sciences to contribute to the shaping of sustainable democratic societies. Funding is provided both for basic research that sharpens our understanding of current and future challenges, and for practice- and application-oriented research to address these challenges. Complex challenges and transformation processes require diverse disciplinary perspectives: the BMFTR is therefore also strengthening interdisciplinary and international research collaboration in the humanities and social sciences