[ Volkswagen Stiftung - World Knowledge – Structural Support for "Rare Subjects" | Research & Teaching Funding ]

The so-called "rare subjects" often represent a comprehensive, significant and future oriented canon of knowledge of high relevance for interdisciplinarity, internationality, and innovation. At the same time, these knowledge domains are often characterized by precarious structures inside the universities.
 
With the programme World Knowledge, the Volkswagen Stiftung (VWS):

• Welcomes proposals to strengthen "rare subjects" in any thematic area that wish to pursue or strive for interdisciplinary and international networking and with a high potential for innovation, in both research and teaching.
• Encourages Professors (full or associated) to develop innovative ideas for structurally strengthening their fields and
• Invites the respective university leadership to create sustainable perspectives for the research and teaching of the “rare subjects” for at least 10 years after the end of VWS funding.

• Teaching collaborations
• Guest lectures by international researchers or non-university experts
• Networking activities with actors external to the academic field
• New teaching formats
• Leave of absence and
• Staff positions for mid-level faculty or professors.

• Professors (full or associated) + university management
• Swiss applicants are eligible for funding, but must apply with a German institution as lead.

• Max. EUR 1 Million for up to 7 years.
• Shortlisted applicants can also apply for EUR 10’000 to prepare the full proposal.
• Additional EUR 250’000 may be requested to fund teaching modules.
• The university concerned is expected to contribute matching funds (no max. or lower limit).
• Overheads and equipment are NOT eligible costs.

• Application documents: Concept outline (max. 5 pages); Time and work schedule; Budget; Detailed Letter of Support from the university leadership; Explanation of the status as a “rare subject” (max. 2 pages); CVs; Cover sheet.
• Contact (VWS) before submitting an application.
• Evaluation: the Board of Trustees decides based on the recommendations of international experts.
• Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.