The term “German Studies” describes research and teaching about contemporary Germany (including comparative studies) and its interaction with other European countries and the world at large. The focus is on approaches based in the social sciences and/or interdisciplinary orientated cultural studies that go beyond, though do not exclude, the literary manifestations of contemporary German culture.

The objectives of the funding programme are:

1: To contribute to the ongoing political and cultural dialogue between the UK, Ireland and Germany.

2: To enhance cooperation between existing institutional structures in the field of German Studies so that the entire academic community in the UK, Ireland and at DAAD-funded Centres for German and European Studies can take maximum advantage of these and related initiatives.

3: To encourage universities in the UK and Ireland to further develop their own intellectual and financial commitment to German Studies.

4: To expand participants’ knowledge of Germany as a location for education and research by including German universities as well as other German educational and research institutions.

Ecological sustainability

The DAAD has set itself the goal of further reducing its ecological footprint as an organisation and funding body. In the context of project funding, the aim should be to plan and implement projects in a way that conserves resources, the climate and the environment. This applies in particular to mobility/travel and, depending on the type and scope of the project, can also relate to procurement and awarding, event management or marketing and public relations.

Diversity

In its diversity agenda, the DAAD defines diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion as important cross-cutting goals for international academic exchange. Talented people should also be given the opportunity to contribute their diversity and different perspectives as part of project funding. Projects must be planned and realised with this cross-cutting objective in mind. Additional funding can be provided for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses.

Please find a summary of the funded projects of Round IV here and of Round V here.