The funding call “Transformations in Democracy” is the first thematic call published under the broader framework programme “Current and Future Challenges of Democratic Societies” issued by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR). The call focuses on the relationship between democratic governance, societal transformation processes, and technological change. It aims to support social sciences, humanities, and cultural studies research projects that investigate how democratic societies can maintain legitimacy, participation, trust, and conflict-resolution capacity during periods of rapid transformation.

The programme addresses the major overlapping challenges currently affecting Germany and Europe, including geopolitical instability, disruptions to global trade systems, digitalization, artificial intelligence, climate transformation, and demographic change. These developments create profound societal transformations that affect everyday life, social cohesion, political legitimacy, and democratic participation. The funding programme seeks to better understand the interaction between state action and societal dynamics in these contexts.

Research projects may focus on democratic institutions under transformation pressure, societal acceptance of transformation policies, participation formats between citizens and the state, the role of intermediaries such as municipalities and civil society organizations, and the effects of digital platforms and AI technologies on democratic decision-making. The programme explicitly encourages interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research approaches that generate actionable knowledge and policy recommendations.

Special emphasis is placed on technology-driven democratic transformation. Projects may explore how algorithmic systems, AI-supported decision-making, and digital participation tools influence transparency, inclusion, accountability, legitimacy, and trust in democratic institutions. Historical perspectives on previous transformations in Germany and Europe may also be combined with forward-looking analyses.

The funding scheme supports both individual and collaborative research projects, including international cooperation activities and comparative international studies. Participation of practice partners and stakeholders is strongly encouraged. Projects are expected to integrate knowledge transfer activities, science communication measures, and policy advisory components. Citizen participation and cooperation with civil society and public administration actors are also welcomed.

Funding is provided as non-repayable project grants for a duration of up to three years. The application process is organized in two stages. In the first stage, applicants must submit project sketches of up to ten pages via the German easy-Online funding portal. Successful applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal in the second stage.

The programme is managed by the DLR Project Management Agency on behalf of the BMFTR. Results generated under funded projects may only be used within Germany, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

Opening: 09.12.2025
Deadline(s): 31.08.2026

This funding opportunity represents an early draft that has not yet been officially approved by the European Commission. It is expected that details of the calls will change until finalization. The final, approved version is expected to be published by End of 2025. This draft is provided for informational purposes and may be used to preliminarily form consortia and develop project ideas, but it is offered without any guarantee.