CHANGE! FELLOWSHIPS AND RESEARCH GROUPS┋Postdocs and junior professors
We need changes in our society and existing structures to overcome the multitude of crises we are facing today. Science is expected to uncover planetary boundaries and vulnerabilities, research fact-based options for action and help to find solutions. Thus, the Volkswagen Foundation is looking for personalities from science who are jointly with partners outside of academia researching transformation processes.
- area of research: all disciplines
- funding for: own position
- 1.5 to 1.8 million euro (depending on personal qualification)
- 4 to 5 years
- target group: Postdocs and junior professors who gained their docotoral degree at least two years ago
- prerequisite: involvement of actors outside of academia
How to become an "Agent of Change"
Interview with the program directors Annabella Hüfler-Fick and Mona Weyrauch
What is funded?
This funding opportunity is designed for scientists from all disciplines who have realised the potential of sources of knowledge outside of academia for their research on transformation processes. A transdisciplinary approach as well as the involvement of stakeholders outside of academia (e.g., networks from civil society, non-governmental organisations, associations, authorities, small businesses, and many more) is mandatory for successful application.
Together with their partners outside of academia, researchers address societal problems and gain knowledge on the factors that support or suppress change and develop knowledge, methods, and scenarios to design transformation processes. They aim to actively induce processes of change with the findings and strategies from their joint research activities.
More information on the funding offer
How to submit your application
Step 01 - Terms and conditions
Please read the Guidelines carefully and familiarize yourself with the application conditions.
Step 02 - Prepare your application
You can download the application and CV templates here.
- Application template
DOCX, 55.0 KB - CV Template
DOCX, 61.0 KB - Template partner outside of academia: affiliation and CV
DOCX, 56.7 KB
Step 03 - More important documents
Use the documents provided here when preparing your application.
- Leaflet Funding for Staff
PDF, 178.3 KB - Template Staff Concept
DOCX, 56.0 KB - Data Management Plan
DOCX, 58.6 KB - Equal opportunity funds
Step 04 - Submit application
Submit your application in electronic form via the funding platform.
Step 05 - Review and decision
Proposals will be reviewed by an external scientific committee. Additionally, those characters will be identified who show strong leadership skills and bear the greatest potential to act as Change Agents.
Feb. 19, 2025, 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Questions on our funding offer? Join our online Q&A session
Are you considering to apply for this scheme? In our online Q&A, we will give an introduction to the program and answer your questions. Registration is not required. To access the Q&A session, please use the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87287338803.
