Science of Intelligence (SCIoI) presents renewal proposal for 2026-2032 funding period to the DFG

On 30 January, 2025, SCIoI presented its renewal proposal for the upcoming funding period to the German Research Foundation (DFG) in Bonn. Our delegation, consisting of researchers from established partner institutions (Technische Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Universität Potsdam and Charité) and our new partners from Leipzig Universität, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, outlined our achievements and future plans. To provide a tangible sense of our work, we also showcased live demonstrations of some of our robotic systems, illustrating the practical applications of our research.

Understanding intelligence across disciplines

Since our establishment in 2019, we’ve been dedicated to look for fundamental principles that could define intelligence. By integrating insights from psychology, neuroscience, behavioral science, robotics, artificial intelligence, and other disciplines we’ve developed a comprehensive approach to studying intelligence in both natural and artificial systems.

In our initial funding phase, we laid the groundwork by investigating how individuals solve problems, how learning occurs through social interactions, and how groups make collective decisions. We emphasized ethical considerations throughout our research, ensuring that our studies not only advance scientific knowledge but also align with societal values.

A new focus: principle-based intelligence research

Current AI technologies often require vast amounts of data and struggle with adaptability. By drawing inspiration from natural intelligence principles, we plan to create systems that overcome these limitations, leading to more practical and sustainable applications.

To strengthen this next phase of research, we are planning structural developments that will ensure long-term support for intelligence research. At the same time, we will continue fostering collaborations with international partners and developing programs to support early-career researchers, with a focus on strengthening research connections worldwide.

The DFG’s Excellence Strategy and Review Process

Our renewal proposal is part of the DFG’s Excellence Strategy, a program designed to promote top-level research and strengthen Germany’s position as a leading research hub. The strategy supports Clusters of Excellence that demonstrate outstanding scientific quality, long-term impact, and international visibility.

The review process for Clusters of Excellence is rigorous and competitive. After an initial evaluation of proposals by international experts, selected applicants are invited to submit a full proposal. The final decision is made by the Excellence Commission, which includes leading researchers as well as federal and state representatives responsible for science and research. A successful renewal depends on demonstrating scientific excellence, clear strategic objectives, and a long-term vision for advancing research in a way that benefits both academia and society.

We look forward to the funding decision, which will be announced by the DFG on 22 May 2025.

Research

An overview of our scientific work

See our Research Projects