Volkswagen Stiftung | “Dual Use” of Ideas and Concepts from the Humanities and Social Sciences
Event details
| Date | 06.10.2026 |
| Category | Call for proposal |
Aim: Concepts from the humanities and social sciences often have an impact far beyond academia. But what happens when theories and conceptual frameworks are de-contextualised and used for purposes other than those originally intended? Through this call for proposals, the Foundation supports research on such “dual use” effects and explores how the transfer of ideas from academia into political and ideological contexts takes place.
Research on the following topics is eligible for funding:
Funding is available for (interdisciplinary) project teams from the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences, consisting of two to three researchers (one PI and up to two Co-PIs).
Funding: up to EUR 650K
Duration: max. 2 years
Eligibility: The call for proposals is aimed at researchers with a PhD who are employed at German universities and research institutions. Researchers with a PhD from international research institutions may participate as Co-PIs.
How to Apply: Applicants must submit their application through the online platform. Applications should include a project description, expenditure plan, and CVs for all PIs. EPFL applicants should include 10% overhead in the budget, as allowed for academic institutions abroad.
Deadline: 06 October 2026, 2pm CET
Further information
Research on the following topics is eligible for funding:
- The occurrence, nature and manifestations of a specific ‘dual use’ of concepts and theories in the humanities and social sciences, which differs from deliberate disinformation or merely a simplified reception. What are its characteristic practices?
- Characteristics of theories and concepts in the humanities and social sciences that facilitate their ideologically motivated repurposing. What might a reception-sensitive approach to theory-building look like without restricting the freedom of research and teaching?
- Pathways of transfer and networks of actors through which ideas from the humanities and social sciences move from academic contexts into political, ideological or digital public spheres.
- Conditions under which such reinterpretations have a particular impact – for example, in the interplay of academic debates, media dynamics and political interests.
- Consequences arising from this for science communication in the humanities and social sciences. How can complex or critical concepts be communicated without them being easily oversimplified, misunderstood or ideologically exploited in public debates?
Funding is available for (interdisciplinary) project teams from the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences, consisting of two to three researchers (one PI and up to two Co-PIs).
Funding: up to EUR 650K
Duration: max. 2 years
Eligibility: The call for proposals is aimed at researchers with a PhD who are employed at German universities and research institutions. Researchers with a PhD from international research institutions may participate as Co-PIs.
How to Apply: Applicants must submit their application through the online platform. Applications should include a project description, expenditure plan, and CVs for all PIs. EPFL applicants should include 10% overhead in the budget, as allowed for academic institutions abroad.
Deadline: 06 October 2026, 2pm CET
Further information
- More information about the program is available here
- An online Q&A session in English is scheduled for 08 Sep 2026 at 10am
- For any other questions, please contact the Research Office
Practical information
- General public
- Free