The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the British Academy have officially opened applications for the Knowledge Frontiers Symposium 2027, a prestigious international research collaboration programme designed for early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. The symposium offers an exceptional opportunity for emerging scholars from the United Kingdom and Germany to collaborate on pressing global issues surrounding the relationship between humans and nature while building long-term international research partnerships.

The symposium, scheduled to take place from 21–23 April 2027, will bring together approximately 30 outstanding early career researchers, with around 15 participants from the United Kingdom and 15 from Germany, creating an interdisciplinary platform for networking, intellectual exchange, and collaborative research.

In addition to fully covering participants’ travel-related expenses, the programme also provides opportunities to compete for seed funding to support future international collaborative research projects.

If you are an early career researcher passionate about sustainability, resilience, environmental justice, policy development, or the intersection between society and nature, this symposium presents an outstanding opportunity to connect with leading researchers and develop meaningful international collaborations.

About the Knowledge Frontiers Symposium 2027

The Knowledge Frontiers Symposium is a collaborative initiative jointly organized by the British Academy and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

The programme is specifically designed to strengthen research partnerships between scholars in the United Kingdom and Germany while encouraging interdisciplinary approaches to solving today’s most complex societal and environmental challenges.

The 2027 symposium will be held between:

• Wednesday, 21 April 2027
• Friday, 23 April 2027

Before the physical symposium begins, participants will also have opportunities to engage virtually by discussing research interests, exchanging ideas, and beginning collaborative conversations that can continue during and after the event.

Rather than functioning as a traditional academic conference, the symposium emphasizes interactive discussions, collaborative learning, networking, and the development of future joint research initiatives.

Symposium Theme

Humans and Nature: More Resilient Towards the Future

The 2027 edition focuses on the broad interdisciplinary theme:

“Humans and Nature: More Resilient Towards the Future.”

The organizers recognize that the relationship between humans and the natural environment has become one of the defining issues of the modern world.

Throughout history, there have been different perspectives regarding humanity’s place within nature.

Some viewpoints argue that humans possess the authority to manage and control nature, while others believe humans are an integral part of nature and should coexist with natural systems in more sustainable and balanced ways.

Today, increasing global crises—including climate change, biodiversity loss, technological transformation, economic pressures, environmental degradation, and population growth—have intensified the urgency of reconsidering this relationship.

The symposium aims to encourage participants to rethink how societies interact with ecological systems while identifying practical and innovative pathways toward greater resilience.

Research Topics

Participants are encouraged to explore a wide variety of interdisciplinary perspectives.

Potential discussion areas include, but are not limited to:

• Contested understandings of society and nature
• Human-nature conceptualizations
• Environmental and social justice
• Sustainability challenges
• Ecological resilience
• Coupled human-natural systems
• Ethics and philosophy
• Political dimensions of environmental governance
• Economic approaches to sustainability
• Geographical perspectives
• Public policy development
• Knowledge production
• Narrative development
• Artistic perspectives on environmental challenges
• Interdisciplinary research approaches
• Future resilience strategies

Researchers from diverse academic backgrounds are encouraged to contribute fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

Objectives of the Symposium

The symposium has several important goals, including:

• Strengthening collaboration between UK and German researchers.
• Building long-term interdisciplinary research networks.
• Encouraging innovative thinking across humanities and social sciences.
• Promoting international academic partnerships.
• Supporting future collaborative research initiatives.
• Developing practical policy solutions for sustainability and resilience.
• Encouraging knowledge sharing among early career scholars.
• Providing networking opportunities with leading researchers.
• Facilitating cross-disciplinary discussions on global challenges.

Symposium Format

Unlike conventional academic meetings, the Knowledge Frontiers Symposium prioritizes interaction and collaboration.

Participants can expect:

• Interactive research discussions
• Thematic sessions
• Collaborative workshops
• Networking activities
• Group debates
• Research idea exchanges
• Collaborative planning sessions
• Opportunities to establish future partnerships

The programme allocates substantial time for participants to build professional relationships and explore opportunities for future joint projects.

Seed Funding for Future Collaborations

One of the most attractive features of the symposium is the opportunity to apply for seed funding.

Participants will have the chance to develop collaborative research proposals during the symposium through a dedicated “sandpit” session held on the final day.

During this session, researchers will:

• Form international research teams
• Develop collaborative project ideas
• Draft research proposals
• Submit seed funding applications before the symposium concludes

Eligible collaborations may involve:

• Bilateral partnerships
• International research groups
• Interdisciplinary collaborations

The organizers emphasize that funded collaborations must have an international composition.

Benefits of the Programme

Successful applicants will enjoy numerous benefits, including:

Fully Funded Participation

The symposium covers:

• Travel costs
• Accommodation
• Visa expenses

Participants are therefore able to focus entirely on the academic programme without worrying about major travel-related costs.

International Networking

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Meet leading early career researchers.
• Build long-lasting professional relationships.
• Expand international academic networks.
• Identify future collaborators.

Research Collaboration

Researchers will:

• Share ongoing research.
• Exchange innovative ideas.
• Learn from scholars in different disciplines.
• Develop interdisciplinary collaborations.

Career Development

The symposium supports career progression by helping participants:

• Increase international research visibility.
• Strengthen collaborative research experience.
• Build competitive research portfolios.
• Access future funding opportunities.

Opportunity to Secure Seed Funding

Participants may receive funding to continue collaborative research after the symposium through competitive seed funding proposals.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

• Be an early career researcher.
• Be affiliated with a research institution in either the United Kingdom or Germany.
• Demonstrate strong research interest in the symposium theme.
• Show commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Demonstrate potential for career development through participation.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Research interests
• Relevance to the symposium theme
• Commitment to interdisciplinary engagement
• Career development potential

Application Process

Interested applicants must complete an online application through the Flexi-Grant® system.

Applicants are advised to carefully review the official scheme guidance before submitting their application.

Incorrectly completed applications may be declared ineligible.

Successful applicants are expected to:

• Attend the entire symposium.
• Travel on the designated dates determined by the organizers.

Successful candidates are expected to be notified by the end of November 2026.

Important Dates

How to Apply

Applicants should:

1. Read the official scheme guidance carefully.
2. Prepare the required application materials.
3. Complete the online application through Flexi-Grant®.
4. Submit the application before the official deadline.
5. Await notification from the organizers.

Late or incorrectly submitted applications will not be considered.

APPLY HERE

Contact Information

For further enquiries regarding the symposium, applicants may contact:

Email: international@thebritishacademy.ac.uk

Why You Should Apply

The Knowledge Frontiers Symposium is much more than an academic meeting.

It provides early career researchers with a unique opportunity to:

• Develop international collaborations.
• Gain interdisciplinary research experience.
• Build professional networks across two leading research nations.
• Engage with experts tackling some of today’s most urgent societal and environmental challenges.
• Access future collaborative funding opportunities.
• Advance their academic careers within an international research environment.

For researchers seeking meaningful international partnerships and opportunities to contribute to global conversations on sustainability and resilience, this symposium represents an exceptional platform.

Visit HERE for more information about the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and British Academy Knowledge Frontiers Symposium 2027.

Deadline

Application Deadline: 16 September 2026 at 17:25 BST

Conclusion

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the British Academy Knowledge Frontiers Symposium 2027 offer an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers to engage in interdisciplinary discussions, establish international collaborations, and contribute to innovative solutions addressing the complex relationship between humans and nature. Through fully funded participation, extensive networking opportunities, and access to competitive seed funding, the symposium equips emerging scholars with the resources and connections needed to advance both their research and academic careers. Eligible researchers affiliated with institutions in the United Kingdom or Germany are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline and take advantage of this prestigious international programme.

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