The Trans-Atlantic Platform (T-AP) has officially launched its fifth international research funding call titled “Preparing for Tomorrow – Societies and Strategies in Times of Transition.” The initiative seeks to support innovative and collaborative research aimed at helping societies understand, anticipate, and respond to future challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.
As the world grapples with climate change, pandemics, geopolitical tensions, technological disruptions, economic instability, and emerging social challenges, there is a growing need for evidence-based strategies that can help communities and policymakers prepare for the future. Through this funding call, T-AP aims to strengthen international cooperation among researchers and promote interdisciplinary solutions to complex global issues.
About the Trans-Atlantic Platform (T-AP)
The Trans-Atlantic Platform for Social Sciences and Humanities is a large-scale collaboration involving research funding agencies from Europe, North America, South America, and Africa. The platform promotes international dialogue and collaborative research to address common societal challenges through social sciences and humanities research.
The Preparing for Tomorrow initiative represents the fifth joint call organized by T-AP and focuses on building resilient and inclusive societies capable of navigating uncertain futures.
Aim of the Grant
The program will support collaborative research projects that advance understanding of how societies:
- Envision future scenarios.
- Prepare for emerging crises.
- Respond to uncertainty.
- Develop strategies for resilience and sustainable development.
- Inform policy and decision-making processes at local, national, and international levels.
Projects are expected to generate knowledge that contributes to forward-looking and inclusive responses to societal transitions.
Research Themes
Applicants are invited to address one or more of the following themes:
1. Understanding Uncertainty
Research may examine:
- Sources of uncertainty.
- Economic and social costs.
- Communication of risks.
- Strategies for reducing uncertainty.
2. Futures and Crises
Researchers may explore:
- Historical perspectives on crises.
- Cultural interpretations of the future.
- Regional differences in preparing for change.
- Social responses to emerging threats.
3. Response Strategies and Coordination
Projects may investigate:
- Governance systems.
- Coordination mechanisms.
- Public policy responses.
- Institutional preparedness.
4. Prevention and Preparation
Research may focus on:
- Ethical and normative questions.
- Long-term preparedness.
- Prevention frameworks.
- Responsibility and accountability in crisis management.
Key Features of the Grant
The program aims to:
- Support international and interdisciplinary research collaboration.
- Promote engagement with communities and policymakers.
- Encourage participation and development of early-career researchers.
- Foster diversity within research teams.
- Address opportunities and risks associated with technological, political, environmental, and societal change.
Eligible Disciplines
The call welcomes proposals employing:
- Qualitative research methods.
- Quantitative approaches.
- Mixed-methods research.
- Historical studies.
- Future-oriented methodologies.
- Interdisciplinary approaches within Social Sciences and Humanities.
Consortium Requirements
Applications must involve:
- At least three eligible principal investigators.
- Participants from at least three different participating countries.
- Representation from both sides of the Atlantic.
- Compliance with national funding regulations.
Applicants are encouraged to consult the national addenda provided by their funding organizations to confirm eligibility.
Duration of Projects
Funded projects are expected to run for:
- Between 24 and 36 months.
Benefits of the Preparing for Tomorrow Grant
Successful applicants will gain:
- Access to international research funding.
- Opportunities for transnational collaboration.
- Engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.
- Increased visibility of research outputs.
- Capacity-building opportunities.
- Support for interdisciplinary innovation.
- Opportunities for early-career researchers to develop internationally.
Important Dates
Call Launch
17 April 2026
Letter of Intent Deadline
8 July 2026
Full Application Deadline
28 October 2026
Evaluation Period
March – April 2027
Funding Decisions Announced
April – May 2027
Expected Start of Awards
July – September 2027
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the German Research Foundation (DFG) Elan Portal by the Lead Principal Investigator on behalf of the consortium.
Researchers should:
- Build an international consortium.
- Review the call scope and national addenda.
- Submit the Letter of Intent before 8 July 2026.
- Prepare and submit the full proposal by 28 October 2026.
- Ensure compliance with requirements established by their national funding agencies.
Applicants can access the call guidelines and application documents here
The Preparing for Tomorrow Grant represents a significant opportunity for social sciences and humanities researchers seeking to contribute to global preparedness and resilience. Through international collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches, the program seeks to generate new knowledge and strategies that will help societies navigate uncertainty and build a more sustainable future.
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