Third-Funding Period for CRC “Economic Perspectives on Societal Challenges”
The German Research Foundation (DFG) has approved a further funding period for the Transregional Collaborative Research Center 224 “Economic Perspectives on Societal Challenges,” a joint initiative of the Universities of Bonn and Mannheim. Starting January 1, 2026, the successful research collaboration will receive funding of around 12 million euros for an additional four years.
Press release from 25 November 2025
Print version (pdf)
“I am truly delighted with the DFG’s decision and would like to sincerely thank all colleagues involved for their outstanding commitment in recent years,” says Professor Dr. Sven Rady (University of Bonn), designated spokesperson of the CRC as of January 1, 2026. “This renewed approval shows that our research agenda not only convinces academically but also addresses socially relevant questions of high topicality. In the coming funding period, our team will continue to work with the same dedication and collaborative spirit – and contribute valuable insights to current economic policy debates.”
Professor Dr. Volker Nocke from the University of Mannheim, current spokesperson of the CRC, adds: “The joint CRC of the Universities of Bonn and Mannheim brings together two leading economics departments that have worked closely together for many years. This cooperation has played a major role in creating a rigorous research environment in which international cutting-edge research can thrive. Succeeding once again in such a competitive funding landscape demonstrates the scientific quality and relevance of our research program.”
Since its establishment in 2018, the CRC TR 224 has examined key social challenges within the fields of equal opportunity, market regulation, and financial market stability.
Within the three research areas – “Measures to Promote Equal Opportunities,” “Product Market Regulation,” and “Financial Market Policy” – researchers have been analyzing how fair participation in society can be strengthened, how markets should be effectively regulated under digital and global conditions, and how the long-term stability of the financial system can be ensured. The aim is to develop policy-relevant recommendations based on economic research.
The CRC has achieved high academic visibility since its foundation, with major contributions from a large number of early-career researchers. Supporting young academics is one of the key strengths of the CRC, which has established sustainable structures for fostering junior researchers. Furthermore, the research network has successfully aligned its work with current global developments: Political and economic disruptions in recent years were quickly taken up academically and translated into new research projects and policy recommendations.
The upcoming funding phase will build on this momentum. Existing research continued, as developments in global markets and societal conditions will be analyzed in depth until the end of the funding period in 2029.
Web: www.crctr224.de
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Sven Rady
Institute for Microeconomics, University of Bonn
Phone: +49 228 73 62080
Email: radyhcm.uni-bonn.de
Prof. Dr. Volker Nocke
Department of Economics, University of Mannheim
Phone: +49 621 181-1836
Email: volker.nockeuni-mannheim.de