Wanted: Key topics & (new) working and transfer formats
Key topics
Which specific questions or tasks would you like to focus on and why? Where do you see current gaps in knowledge or a particular need for action? The calls for proposals are open to all topics and are not limited to specific fields of research and practice, but a clear reference to one of the advertised missions or the ARL's current research concept must be evident.
Formats
Which working or transfer formats promise the greatest added value for your question or task and with a view to social impact? (e.g. a working group, transfer workshop, a digital format, events, publications, etc.)?
In addition, we emphasise a transdisciplinary approach, as anchored in the ARL. Proposals are invited for work and transfer formats that bring together scientific and political/planning perspectives in order to address spatial challenges in a practical and reflective manner. Applicants should explain how their project aims for/implements a co-production of knowledge and can contribute to the ARL's mission/concerns/objectives (e.g. via networks, methods or formats). Applications for interactive hybrid and digital formats are expressly welcomed.
Submit an application
Members of the Academy, active participants from the network and external experts are eligible to apply. Each project can be applied for by a maximum of two people. Generally, an academy member should participate as leader or co-leader of the working group or transfer format after its approval and establishment. In addition, the leadership team should ensure gender parity and the inclusion of experts in the early stages of their careers. External applicants are asked to propose Academy Members to be part of the leadership team.
Applications for ad hoc working groups (current occasion and maximum duration of one year) are reviewed for urgency and, if necessary, assessed in an abbreviated procedure.
Please note that, due to limited staff and financial resources at the ARL, working groups and transfer formats recommended for approval may not be able to be established by the announced start date, and the start may have to be postponed to a later date.
Please refer to the information sheet (PDF) for all other key information on submitting an application. You are welcome to use the templates for working groups/transfer formats (.docx) and ad hoc working groups (.docx) to outline the content and collaborate on the application texts. However, new applications may only be submitted electronically via the application form linked below!
The Review Committee
Chair: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jochen Monstadt, German Institute of Urban Affairs (Difu), Berlin
Members of the ARL:
Prof. Dr. Sybille Bauriedl, Europa-Universität Flensburg
Prof. Dr. Hans-Martin Zademach, Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt
Prof. Dr. Karsten Zimmermann, TU Dortmund University
External Committee Members:
Dr. Peter Görgl, Planning Office Modul5, Wien/Passau
Prof. Dr. Johanna Hoerning, Technische Universität Berlin
Next deadline for submitting new working groups and transfer formats
18 October 2026
Next meeting of the Review Committee
2 November 2026
Decision at the Executive Committee meeting
19/21 November 2026
Contact
If you have any questions about the review and selection process, please contact
Dr. Maximilian Räthel
Head of Staff Unit Quality and Impact Management
Tel. + 49 (0)511 348 42-67
maximilian.raethel@arl-net.de
