Fyssen Foundation research grants aim to facilitate the execution of research projects that enhance understanding of the mechanisms of behaviour and cognition in living beings, as well as their ontogenetic and phylogenetic development. These projects may originate from the disciplines of neuroscience, ethology, psychology, anthropology, ethnology, palaeontology, and archaeology.
The specific goals of the grants include:
Fellows undertake a substantive and original project that relates to the ISM’s mission, which may include original scholarship, an art exhibition, a musical composition, or a work of creative writing. Fellows are full-time faculty or scholars with more than six years of experience following the terminal degree.
Evidence suggests that wide inequalities can be detrimental to economic growth and social cohesion. It is clear that inequalities have been rising over the last three decades both in Europe and globally albeit with considerable geographical and temporal variation. The crises and their aftermath have put this rise of inequalities centre stage. A solid evidence base is needed to design and implement policy instruments which sustainably and fairly reverse this trend. A substantial body of research on inequalities, social investment and the welfare state exists and is coming to fruition.
Almost three decades after the End of History essay and debates democracy faces significant challenges. Political developments have been marked by the rise of political forces and discourses promoting populism and nationalism and questioning liberalism. These are often couched in a language of anti-elitism and anti-cosmopolitanism as they seek to profit from citizens’ frustration at their socio-economic situation and political shortcomings of democracies.
Given the weight and importance of the public sector in driving economic growth and competitiveness, tightening government budgets, increasing expectations of greater citizen participation in the design and delivery of public services and societal challenges that require new solutions, there is an urgent need to promote innovation and experimentation in the public sector. The purpose is to improve continuously the development of public policy, as well as the efficiency and delivery of public programs and services, and to enhance thereby the creation of public value.
The way cultural heritage is preserved and enhanced is a major factor defining Europe's identity and its place in the world. Jobs are created by the conservation, management and promotion of cultural heritage and these activities contribute to sustainable growth and social cohesion. High quality interventions in cultural heritage and cultural landscapes contribute to local communities’ well-being and to the development of sustainable cultural tourism.
The arts[1] can shed new light on the past, hold up a mirror to contemporary life and initiate new perspectives for the future. They have the power to move us, educate us and question accepted narratives. They can also foster an exchange in which people encounter points of view radically different from their own. In the process, the arts can inspire personal belonging and mutual understanding. They can also foster civic engagement and social change, mobilising a variety of actors around a common agenda. As such, the arts can complement scientific and policy approaches.
Border and external security may depend on a variety of human factors, and social and societal issues including gender. The adoption of appropriate organisational measures and the deeper understanding of how novel technologies and social media impact border control are required. One main challenge is to manage the flow of travellers and goods arriving at our external borders, while at the same time tackling irregular migration and enhancing our internal security. Any novel technology or organisational measure will need to be accepted by the European citizens.
The resilience of societies heavily depends on how their citizens behave individually or collectively, and how governments and civil society organisations design and implement policies for mitigating risks, preparing for, reacting to, overcoming, and learning from disasters. The spread of new technologies and media are inducing dramatic changes in how individuals and communities behave, and they are affecting societies in unpredictable ways.
The free and democratic EU society, based on the rule of law, mobility across national borders, globalised communication and finance infrastructure, provides many opportunities to its people. However, the benefits come along with risks related to crime and terrorism, a significant number of which have cross-border impacts within the EU. Security is a key factor to ensure a high quality of life and to protect our infrastructure through preventing and tackling common threats.