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New graduate school at Goethe University: Aesthetics of democracy in focus!
The graduate school “Aesthetics of Democracy” at the University of Frankfurt starts in 2026 and researches democratic practices in an interdisciplinary manner.
New graduate school at Goethe University: Aesthetics of democracy in focus!
On June 17, 2025, the German Research Foundation (DFG) announced that a new graduate school at Goethe University Frankfurt entitled “Aesthetics of Democracy” had been approved. This college, led by Prof. Johannes Völz, an American studies scholar, aims to explore the sensory dimension of democracy. This topic has received only limited attention in the humanities, which is why the focus is on the practices, rituals and norms of living democracy. The DFG is funding the college with almost six million euros for the first funding phase.
As part of the college, two cohorts of twelve doctoral students each will work in their research area over the next five years. The team is made up of scientists from various disciplines, including literary studies, American studies and media studies. In addition, cooperation with 18 international partner institutes on five continents is sought. Interested doctoral students can apply in late summer. The official start of the college is planned for April 2026. Puk reports that this initiative is part of a larger DFG program aimed at strengthening early scientific careers.
Other approved graduate colleges
The DFG has also made a total of 130 million euros available for the first funding period of five years for 18 new graduate colleges (GRK) in various research areas. The decision was made by the funding committee in Bonn. These 18 new colleges are a response to advances in research and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, with four of the colleges including international graduate colleges (IGK) with partners from the United States, Italy, Canada and France. The DFG currently supports a total of 214 graduate colleges. DFG highlights that these programs not only provide financial support, but also create an environment that promotes scientific education and training.
- Einige der neuen Kollegs im Überblick:
- Circular Steel (RWTH Aachen, Sprecher: Prof. Dr. Ulrich Krupp) – Fokus auf klimaneutralem Stahl.
- One Health-Ansatz für bodenübertragene Helminthen (FU Berlin, Sprecherin: Prof. Dr. Susanne Hartmann) – Untersuchung parasitärer Würmer.
- Ästhetik der Demokratie (Universität Frankfurt am Main, Sprecher: Prof. Dr. Johannes Völz) – Untersuchung der ästhetischen Dimension von Demokratie.
- Techniken des Bezeugens (Universität Mainz, Sprecher: Prof. Dr. Christian Tedjasukmana) – Untersuchung der Zeugenschaft in digitalen Kontexten.
Another graduate school that was extended by the DFG is the “Linking Image Analysis and Molecular Life Sciences” (iMOL) at Goethe University. This college, active since 2020, offers young scientists training at the interface of life sciences and computer science through image processing and analysis. This provides graduates with many opportunities in the areas of microscope design and data acquisition, which generates high demand in both areas. DFG emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary skills in academic research and industry.
With its graduate colleges, the DFG supports both young scientists and the quality of research in Germany. Universities with the right to award doctorates and technical colleges are eligible to apply, while support includes a wide range of scholarships and travel funds through to workshops. The programs must demonstrate high scientific quality and interdisciplinarity in order to promote integrative and innovative research approaches.