As part of its Health Research Framework Programme, this new call by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF – Federal Ministry for Education and Research) supports research consortia that address future-relevant  ethical, legal and/or social aspects (ELSA) in modern life sciences and contribute to their critical analysis and evaluation as well as to the development of possible options for action in Germany.

The goal of the two modules (‘ELSA research questions on future-relevant topics in modern life sciences’ and ‘ELSA in developmental biology research and its possible application to humans’) is to develop solution concepts at policy and/or action level. This requires interdisciplinary cooperation between researchers from the fields of humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, economics, law, medical sciences as well as other necessary disciplines such as computer science or communication studies.

Funding is provided for institutions of higher education (Hochschulen), non-educational research and science institutions, non-governmental organisations, extracurricular cultural and educational institutions, self-help groups, patient organisations and other institutions (eg initiatives, associations, federations, foundations) as well as commercial enterprises with a proven focus on research, citizen science, science communication or education for sustainable development.

The length of financial support is three years. Non-commercial research organisations may receive up to 100% funding for eligible project expenses. German commercial businesses and enterprises are required to cover part of the project costs.

(This Bulletin article was the subject of a ResearchConnect news alert.)