The Humboldt Residency Programme by the German research funder Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has issued its first call for applications with a focus on food production and consumption. The programme is designed to promote transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration through a six-week, intensive residency in Brandenburg and Berlin in Germany.

A group of 12 participants from a wide range of backgrounds including researchers, writers, artists, civil society actors and social entrepreneurs are invited to come together to address a specific topic or challenge. With the programme, Humboldt Foundation aims to open up time and freedom for knowledge sharing and transdisciplinary collaboration. Included in the programme is also a strong focus on science communication.

Under the headline ‘The Future of Food’ the Humboldt Residency Programme 2025 will explore how technological innovations and ethical frameworks in food production and consumption address global health challenges and social inequalities. Included are a wide range of subtopics such as sustainable agriculture and innovative protein sources, the effect of global social inequality on food sustainability, disparities in cooking resources and diet diversity, the obesity pandemic, malnutrition, and food insecurity, as well as unequal food accessibility. Also covered are cultural aspects such as the symbolic role of food in cultural identity, the gendering of food, its appearance, marketing, and the influence of expiration dates on consumption patterns and food choices.

Eligible to apply for participation in the Humboldt Residency Programme are:

• Humboldt Foundation alumni who hold academic positions and are not currently based in Germany.
• Doctoral students at higher education institutions outside Germany.
• Early career researchers who have completed their doctorate in the last four years and who hold an academic position outside Germany.

Individuals from civil society, journalism, arts or social entrepreneurship who are not currently working for an academic institution are also invited to participate. All participants must have a relevant connection to the annual theme.

The Foundation will offer participants a monthly allowance during the six-week residency period in Berlin and Brandenburg, Germany. Travel and accommodation costs are also covered. In addition, a budget is provided for the arranging of public event formats or other outputs.

The residency programme is scheduled to run from June to November 2025 with an in-person residency in Brandenburg and Berlin, Germany in August/September 2025.

Interested parties are invited to attend an online information event on 28 November 2024.