CFAs: Humboldt Foundation–British Academy Knowledge Frontiers Symposium 2027 (UK, Germany)

Deadline: 16-Sep-2026

The Knowledge Frontiers Symposium is inviting early career researchers in the humanities and social sciences from the UK and Germany to participate in a collaborative symposium on “Humans and Nature: More resilient towards the future.” Travel and accommodation costs are covered for selected participants. The symposium will take place in Bonn, Germany, from 21 to 23 April 2027 and will bring together researchers to explore the evolving relationship between humans and nature, resilience, sustainability, justice, and interdisciplinary knowledge.

About the Knowledge Frontiers Symposium

The Knowledge Frontiers Symposium is a collaborative initiative of The British Academy and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. It is designed to promote international engagement and interdisciplinary research among early career researchers in the humanities and social sciences from the UK and Germany. The symposium provides an opportunity for researchers to: - Exchange ideas across disciplines. - Explore complex relationships between humans and nature. - Engage with researchers from another country. - Develop new research perspectives. - Build international academic networks. - Explore opportunities for long-term collaboration. Symposium Theme The central theme of the symposium is:

“Humans and Nature: More resilient towards the future.”

The theme focuses on the changing relationship between people and the natural environment and asks how societies can become more resilient in the face of environmental, social, and other future challenges. Key Areas of Discussion The symposium will explore a broad range of interdisciplinary themes.

These include:

- Different and contested understandings of society and nature. - Social and environmental justice. - Norms and values. - Sustainability. - Resilience in coupled human-nature systems. - Knowledge generation. - Narrative development. Researchers will have opportunities to examine these issues from perspectives across the humanities and social sciences. Symposium Activities Selected participants will take part in in-depth academic and collaborative activities.

The symposium will include:

- Research discussions. - Academic debates. - Interdisciplinary exchange. - Networking activities. - Collaborative idea development. - Discussions around future research partnerships. The format is intended to encourage participants to move beyond disciplinary boundaries and develop new approaches to the symposium theme. Event Location and Dates

The symposium will be held in:

Bonn, Germany 21–23 April 2027 Participants must be available to attend the full duration of the symposium and travel on the designated dates. Travel and Accommodation Support Selected participants will have their travel and accommodation costs covered for participation in the symposium. This support enables eligible early career researchers from the UK and Germany to participate in the international event without having to cover the main travel and accommodation expenses themselves. Seed Funding for Collaborative Projects

Participation in the symposium can also lead to further research opportunities

Selected participants will have the opportunity to apply for seed funding to support collaborative projects developed during the symposium. Projects supported through this opportunity must: - Be developed collaboratively. - Have an international composition. - Involve researchers from the UK and Germany or other appropriate international partners. - Take the form of partnerships or groups. The seed funding is intended to help turn ideas developed during the symposium into longer-term collaborative research activities. Publications and Other Outputs Participants may also have opportunities to contribute to outputs connected with the symposium theme.

Potential formats include:

- Publications. - Audio outputs. - Blog series. These opportunities can allow participants to share ideas generated during the symposium with wider academic and public audiences. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is aimed at early career researchers in the humanities and social sciences.

Applicants must:

- Be based in the UK or Germany. - Be affiliated with a research institution in the UK or Germany. - Be within 10 years of receiving their doctorate. - Demonstrate research interest in the symposium theme. - Show a commitment to interdisciplinary engagement. - Demonstrate potential for career development through participation. - Be available for the full symposium. - Be able to travel on the designated dates. Early Career Researcher Requirement Applicants must be within 10 years of receiving their doctorate. This makes the symposium particularly relevant to researchers who have recently completed their PhD and are developing their independent academic careers. Humanities and Social Sciences Focus The symposium is specifically intended for researchers working in the humanities and social sciences. Applicants should demonstrate how their research connects with questions surrounding humans, nature, resilience, sustainability, justice, values, knowledge, or related aspects of the symposium theme. Interdisciplinary Engagement A commitment to interdisciplinary engagement is an important eligibility requirement. Participants are expected to be interested in engaging with researchers from different academic disciplines and considering perspectives outside their own specialist field. The symposium is therefore suited to researchers who want to connect humanities and social science approaches with broader questions about environmental and societal resilience. Career Development Opportunities Participation is also intended to support the professional development of early career researchers.

The symposium can help participants:

- Expand international research networks. - Develop interdisciplinary skills. - Exchange ideas with researchers in another country. - Identify potential research partners. - Develop collaborative projects. - Gain e