The collective research programme of the academies of sciences – the Academies' Programme – serves to explore, preserve and interpret global cultural heritage. It is currently the largest long-term research programme in Germany for foundational research in the humanities and social sciences and is coordinated by the Union of Academies. The programme and its research projects are executed by the eight academies under the umbrella of the Union as well as by Leopoldina, the German National Academy of Sciences.
The Academies’ Programme is currently funded with approximately 79 million euros annually as part of the joint research funding provided by the German federal and state governments. These funds are currently used to finance 127 projects in 192 workplaces .
Researchers who have completed their doctorate and have institutional ties in Germany can apply (as individual applicants or together with one or more co-applicants) with a research project to one of the academies listed below. In terms of focus, scope and duration, the project must meet the following requirements and criteria.
The funded projects will be supervised by one or several academies; yet they can be carried out in close cooperation, if required also internationally, with other academies, universities and non-university research institutions.