Research Commissions

The spark for a new research project often arises unexpectedly: in spontaneous conversation rather than structured planning, something that the day-to-day operations of universities rarely allow for. The Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony offers a platform for exactly this kind of intellectual exchange. 

When scholars from diverse disciplines come together, new ideas and impulses for collaborative research frequently emerge. Sometimes, a compelling idea leads to the formation of an official research commission, which then explores scientific questions over the medium to long term. 

The commissions organise regular lectures, symposia, and conferences, and often publish volumes of proceedings that document their work. Although they receive financial support from the Academy, this funding is more limited compared to the working units formally funded under the Academies’ Programme. All commission members contribute their time on a voluntary basis. An overview of current research commissions is included in the brochure Wissen schaffen und verbreiten (Creating and Disseminating Knowledge), which can also be requested in print from the Academy’s administrative office.