The programme "Understanding Society – Shaping the Future” is strengthening the humanities and social sciences in Germany and supports research with 700 million euros up to 2025.

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research supports research on broad topics in the field of humanities and social sciences.

Democracies in Europe are challenged by declining trust in democratic institutions, the rise of populism, and an increasing polarization of societies. Social sciences and humanities research is needed to better understand the characteristics, origins and consequences of these developments.