[Gerda Henkel Foundation](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en)

April 15, 2026: Deadline for submitting the first project outline (pre-selection)

Up to €50,000 per project; 50 projects awarded; flexible use of funds; scholarships available for postdocs and senior scholars

Supports creative, interdisciplinary research on the future role of scholarship and cultural awareness, commemorating the foundation’s 50th anniversary.

--- ## Description The Gerda Henkel Foundation’s Prospect Utopia program celebrates its 50th anniversary by inviting researchers to explore how scholarship can shape the future of social coexistence and cultural awareness. The initiative encourages creative, experimental, and interdisciplinary research projects that reflect on historical and contemporary concepts of utopia, the communicative and identity-building power of academic disciplines, and the potential for innovation in envisioning future possibilities. Projects should aim to reach audiences beyond academia and may address diverse cultural perspectives, the management of uncertainty, or propose new ideas for social, political, or ecological change. --- ## Due Dates - April 15, 2026: Deadline for submitting the first project outline (pre-selection) Funding decisions are expected in November 2026. Approved projects should commence within twelve months of notification. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to €50,000 per project; a total of 50 projects will be funded. - Funding can cover staffing, travel, materials, and other project-related costs. - Flexible use of funds is encouraged, including alternative and experimental research formats. - Postdoctoral research scholarships: €2,760/month (with child/family allowances); after postdoctoral lecture qualification: €3,720/month (plus allowances). - Additional support: travel and material aid as required; overseas bonus available for extended research abroad. - No overheads, administrative costs, or tuition fees are eligible. --- ## Eligibility - Open to researchers from the postdoctoral level onwards in any discipline supported by the Foundation. - Institutional affiliation is not required. - Applicants must have at least a provisional PhD certificate by the application deadline. - Former Gerda Henkel Foundation funding recipients may apply if previous funding is complete and the final report submitted. - No nationality or place-of-work restrictions. - Not eligible: Individual doctoral projects, purely documentary projects, additional funding for existing projects, completion of ongoing projects, or projects seeking only publication/printing support. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted digitally via the Foundation’s [electronic application form](https://forms.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/apare-resources/ghs?kind=anniv&lang=en). - The process is two-stage: 1. **Pre-selection:** Submit a short project outline (max. 3 pages), schedule, preliminary budget, and CV (in German or English) by April 15, 2026. 2. **Invitation to full proposal:** Selected applicants will be invited to submit a detailed application. - All documents must be PDF files (max. 6 MB each). - Applications cannot be modified after submission; resubmission is possible if errors are found. - No parallel applications to multiple Foundation programs. - Use of generative AI in preparing the application is allowed but must be transparently documented; full academic responsibility remains with the applicant. - The Foundation does not provide individual feedback or reasons for rejection. --- ## Additional Information - Funding is for new, standalone research ideas only. - Projects are encouraged to include formats accessible to a wider public (e.g., digital, audiovisual, or experimental presentations). - Recipients must be actively involved in the project. - Grants cannot be combined with full- or part-time salaries or retirement pensions. - Employment of up to five hours/week during the grant period is permitted with approval. - Financial reporting and acknowledgment of the Foundation in all outputs are required. - Transfers to overseas accounts are possible; recipients are responsible for their own insurance. --- ## External Links - [Prospect Utopia Program Page](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en/prospect_utopia) - [Electronic Application Form](https://forms.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/apare-resources/ghs?kind=anniv&lang=en) - [Gerda Henkel Foundation Home](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en) - [Contact Page](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [50years@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de](mailto:50years@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de) | | Foundation Contact | [info@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de](mailto:info@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de) | | Phone | +49 (0)211 93 65 24 - 0 | | Address | Malkastenstrasse 15, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany |

Prospect Utopia

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