Hesse fights against anti-Semitism: 1.9 million euros for research!

Hesse fights against anti-Semitism: 1.9 million euros for research!

On July 25, 2025, the Hessian Ministry of Science presented significant steps to promote anti-Semitism research and democracy research. As part of the “Strengthening Democracy Research in Hesse” program, targeted research projects at universities are to be supported in order to make democracy more resistant to extremism and polarization. Accordingly, a total of over 269,000 euros should flow into the most promising concepts, which were selected by an external expert committee, such as University of Giessen reported.

The supported universities include the Justus Liebig University of Gießen, the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences, the Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences and the TU Darmstadt. Science Minister Timon Gremmels emphasizes the significant role of science in the fight against anti-Semitism and emphasizes that the projects often involve partners from practice, which increases their transfer potential.

Long-term funding plans and specific projects

More than 1,902,000 euros have been earmarked for anti-Semitism research by 2028. In addition, the “Hessian Evaluation and Support” funding line will be supported with over 842,000 euros for projects to secure democracy until 2027. Particularly noteworthy is the project “Anchored History(s), Strong Democracy” at the Justus Liebig University in Giessen. It examines school formats of remembrance culture and aims to identify best practice examples, promote cross-school exchange and develop appropriate recommendations for action.

The research area in the Democracy Center at the University of Marburg is intensively involved in the study of right-wing extremism, racism and anti-Semitism in Hesse. The conditions under which these phenomena arise and what effects they have on society are analyzed. The research aims to record specific local and regional conditions and to examine the consequences and coping strategies of right-wing, racist or anti-Semitic violence University of Marburg supplemented.

Research results and social impact

A central aspect of the research is the analysis of spaces that enable or prevent anti-democratic attitudes. These findings should not only benefit science, but also serve to further develop advisory and educational formats. The interdisciplinary approach combines theoretical principles with practical accompanying research and includes historical and current socio-political developments in the analyses.

Overall, the funding enables a deeper examination of the issue of anti-Semitism and the strengthening of democracy. The projects promise not only scientific findings, but also practical solutions and measures to combat extremism and promote respectful coexistence, as the Hessian Ministry of Science and Art reports ( Hessen.de ).