Science Communication

Dialog between science and the general public is becoming increasingly important. The Covid-19 pandemic in particular has shown that there is often a lack of knowledge of basic scientific principles and that some people mistrust or even refuse to accept scientific evidence. But the Daimler and Benz Foundation sees personal contact between scientists and interested laypeople as an indispensable element in intensifying discourse – and thus extending one’s own knowledge – regarding current issues on the basis of scientific findings. Only a dialog between science and society on the basis of trust can contribute to securing both a free society and a livable future.

Funding is provided for one or more events that serve to communicate scientific findings to a wider public in a new form. The aim is to arouse or convey fundamental interest in science and research. The event must clearly differ from current conventional formats and address people of different age groups. The venue, time, and duration can be freely chosen.

The primary target groups include neither an educated elite nor school pupils. Rather, the event should above all address people who to date have been critical of scientific findings or have had little exposure to them.

The Daimler and Benz Foundation is open to various ideas regarding the content and formal orientation of such events, as long as they depart from the usual formats. Traditional formats – lectures, conferences, workshops, panel discussions, etc. – are not supported. Events that have already been staged in a similar form, take place on a recurring basis, or are sponsored by other parties are likewise not eligible for funding in this format.

Invited to apply are employees of scientific institutions – and personnel of organizations and companies from the fields of education, culture, and business – with creative ideas for an event format that accommodates direct, personal exchange between scientists and interested laypersons. The applicant must be employed by an institution that is recognized as a tax-privileged body (“steuerbegünstigte Körperschaft”). Applicants from institutions other than a university or state research institute must submit a notice of exemption from corporate tax with the note “Promotion of science and research” (“Förderung von Wissenschaft und Forschung”).

The funding amount of up to €30,000 can be freely used for various purposes depending on the idea, character, and organization of the event. This includes for example hall rental, catering, and material and travel costs.

The applicant cannot apply for remuneration for his or her own position; overhead costs, fees for permanently employed scientists, etc. are not covered. Personnel costs must be calculated on the basis of DFG rates or the collective agreements applying to the federal or respective state civil service. Full cost rates (“Vollkostensätze”) or lump sums cannot be granted.

The funds must be spent within one year of approval.

Please submit your application online by April 30, 2026 on the Foundation’s website in a single PDF file. The Foundation does not provide a template for this purpose, but the page margins must be at least 2 cm wide, and a readily legible font size (Arial, at least 11 pt) must be chosen.

The application must contain the following information in this order:

1. Title of the event, name of the applicant (one person only) with contact details and a brief profile of the institution in which the applicant is employed (max. 1 A4 page)
2. Curriculum vitae of the applicant (max. 1 A4 page)
3. Description of the event (max. 4 A4 pages)
4. Detailed budget overview in tabular form (max. 2 A4 pages)
5. Notice of exemption from the institution/company/organization issuing the application (exception: universities and state research institutes)

The decision as to the awarding of funds is made by external assessors together with the Executive Board and the management of the Daimler and Benz Foundation.

Conditions of application in German