We promote interdisciplinary research projects in the field of digital transformation research
Through its research, the bidt contributes to a deeper understanding of digital transformation. The developments and challenges associated with digital transformation span various scientific disciplines and can only be meaningfully addressed through interdisciplinary cooperation. Accordingly, we pursue a consistently interdisciplinary approach.
Funded interdisciplinary consortium projects are typically conducted over a period of three years by three academic partners from different disciplines (including one with a background in technical sciences). We provide funding for personnel costs, material resources and infrastructure costs upon application.
The project staff members work at the location of their institution, but regularly meet in various bidt exchange formats. If funding is granted, project members are required to participate in these events.
Details and application
Submission deadline:
24 April 2026 (24:00 CEST)
Note:
Please submit your application here.
Focus of the call for proposals
This year, the bidt invites submissions for interdisciplinary consortium projects on the topic of ‘Governance of Digital Transformation’ with a particular focus on the field of economy and labour. Further information is provided in the call for proposals.
We particularly welcome proposals that explore new or under-researched topics, advance innovative or as yet little-studied perspectives, or combine interdisciplinary approaches in novel ways. Of particular interest are projects with the potential to generate groundbreaking insights and to demonstrate high scientific and societal relevance. A design-oriented research approach is strongly encouraged.
Applications may be submitted by researchers who have completed a doctorate (or can prove equivalent academic achievement).
- Applicants must represent different academic disciplines, as typically defined by the differentiation of university faculties.
- One of the applicants must have a direct connection to technology, i.e. a background in computer science, information systems, electrical engineering or comparable disciplines.
- Applicants and project staff funded through the project must have a formal affiliation with a research institution based in Bavaria.
- The consortium should be led by a particularly experienced researcher.
Detailed information is available in the call for proposals and in the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document (in German).
Funding is provided for the personnel costs of the applicants’ academic personnel. In addition, material costs (e.g. for travel, events, and research assistants) and a lump-sum infrastructure allowance for the applicant’s institution may be allocated.
Personnel costs
- Funding of academic staff per consortium partner is limited to a maximum of 100 per cent of a full-time equivalent for doctoral graduates, and 75 per cent of a full-time equivalent for non-doctoral graduates.
Material costs and infrastructure allowance
- The project proposal may include up to EUR 10,000 per applicant per year for material costs and up to 20 per cent of the personnel costs as an infrastructure allowance.
- Reimbursement is limited to costs actually incurred during the project period. The infrastructure allowance is calculated at 20 per cent of the actual personnel costs.
External experts
- An international expert may be involved in the project.
- A fixed amount of up to EUR 15,000 per year may be allocated to cover their engagement and expenses.
For detailed information, please refer to the call for proposals.
The selection procedure consists of two stages.
In the first stage, applicants must submit a project outline and the CVs of all applicants. The bidt Board of Directors will then decide which applicants will be invited to proceed to the second stage and submit a full proposal.
First stage: project outline
The project outline must be prepared using the template provided by bidt (available for download here). The research project description (maximum length: 2,000 words) may be written in German or English and should address the following aspects:
- Motivation and objectives
- Research approach and planned work programme
- Composition of the consortium
In addition, the CVs of all applicants (one page per person) must be submitted in ONE single document.
For detailed information, please refer to the call for proposals and the project outline template.
24 April 2026, 24:00 CEST: Deadline for application form, project outlines and CVs (first stage)
All documents must be submitted via the following link:
https://easychair.org/conferences/?conf=bidtkon2025
Mid-June 2026: Notification of admission to the second stage
31 August 2026, 24:00 CEST: Deadline for submission of full proposals (second stage)
Mid-November 2026: Notification of funding decision or, if applicable, invitation to oral presentations for final decision-making
Second quarter of 2027: Project start
Contact
If you have any questions regarding the funding conditions, please send us an e-mail to forschung@bidt.digital
PD Dr. Angela Graf
Research Staff Unit, Research Coordinator “Economy and Labour” and Research Project Leader, bidt
