With its “Ladenburg Roundtable” conference format, the Daimler and Benz Foundation offers a free space for interdisciplinary reflection on research topics of scientific and social relevance. The Foundation makes a venue on its premises available where scientists and experts from practical disciplines can discuss a freely chosen, interdisciplinary topic of research with an open outcome. In consultation with the applicant, these gatherings can be of either one or two days’ duration. Both the organization of the meeting and the participants’ travel and accommodation expenses are borne by the Foundation.

The roundtables are open to all disciplines and have no fixed expectations on the part of the Foundation regarding their outcome. A Ladenburg Roundtable can conclude with a publication, for example, or give rise to a more extensive research project with an application to another research-funding organization.

Eligible to apply for the “Ladenburg Research Networks” format are scientists who are active in leading positions at German universities and non-university research institutes; they may contact the Foundation at any time with proposed topics. In case of approval, applicants may select up to 20 participants and act themselves as Scientific Managers.

For information on application (PDF).