2027 | mensch-und-ki
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly permeating all areas of human life, transforming not only technical systems but also affecting social structures, economic processes and cultural practices. The use of artificial intelligence raises fundamental ethical and societal questions that call for critical reflection and interdisciplinary research.
Under the theme “mensch-und-ki” (“humans and AI”), the RUB Stiftung aims to promote not only innovation but also the responsible shaping of an AI-supported future. In doing so, it helps the university live up to its responsibility to society.
The foundation therefore supports projects that examine the interactions between AI technologies and their fields of application, and that view AI not merely as a technical phenomenon but investigate its embedding in and impact on society from an interdisciplinary perspective. This includes perspectives from the humanities and social sciences as well as technical approaches that take ethical and legal frameworks into account from the very beginning.
A particular focus lies on the question of how AI is changing knowledge production and science itself. The aim is to strengthen the role of the university as a critical voice in the AI debate and to build bridges between academic research and public discourse.
Funding is granted exclusively to projects carried out by members of Ruhr University Bochum. These include students, lecturers and researchers in the respective faculties, chairs or research institutes. The content of the project must relate to the current University Development Plan of Ruhr University Bochum.
The project duration must be set out in the application. The project must be completed within a reasonable period, at most within two years. The project may begin immediately after approval. Retroactive funding of projects that are already under way is generally not possible.
Only members of Ruhr University Bochum are eligible to apply.
Each faculty, chair or institute at RUB may submit only one application. Transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary projects involving several eligible institutions are expressly encouraged.
Funding of between EUR 5,000 and 20,000 may be requested per project. This may constitute full or partial funding of the project.
All expenses necessary to carry out the project are eligible for funding, including travel costs, personnel costs and material costs.
Before submitting your application, please check whether your project meets the general funding criteria of the RUB Stiftung.
Applications can be submitted by email to rub-stiftung@ruhr-uni-bochum.de.
The application documents should not exceed two to six A4 pages (font size 11, line spacing no less than 1.15), submitted as a PDF, and should briefly outline the following:
University Development / Executive Director, RUB Foundation
Ruhr University Bochum (RUB)
Department 1 – University Development and Strategy
Division 4 – Management and Relationship Management of the Rectorate
UV 3/382
Universitätsstraße 150
44801 Bochum
In accordance with its bylaws, the RUB Stiftung supports teaching and research at Ruhr University Bochum. It operates as an independent funding foundation and provides financial resources for selected projects at Ruhr University Bochum. These funds are largely provided by private donors, such as companies, foundations, and individuals, including RUB alumni.
The RUB Stiftung expands—beyond basic state funding—the scope of action available to Ruhr University Bochum. It initiates and facilitates projects in research, teaching, and knowledge transfer, and provides targeted support for outstanding ideas and talent so that they have the best possible conditions to reach their full potential. Together with donors, it drives innovation and academic excellence.
