25 years DSF

The German Foundation for Peace Research has been promoting peace and conflict research projects for 25 years—independently and non-profit, based in the peace city of Osnabrück.

Conference and celebration

On October 8 and 9, 2025, the conference

FriedensStiftung in Zeiten globaler Krisen (Peace Foundation in Times of Global Crisis)

took place in Osnabrück to mark the foundation’s 25th anniversary. The focus was on discussing how peace and conflict research is addressing the challenges posed by disruptive changes in the world order. Part of the conference was a public evening event in the auditorium of the University of Osnabrück Castle on October 8. Renowned peace researchers took part in a panel discussion on the topic

Neuordnung der Welt – Was bleibt vom Friedensprojekt Europa in Zeiten globaler Krisen? (Reorganizing the world – What remains of the European peace project in times of global crisis? )

Impressionen

Conference program

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Milestones of the DSF

2000-2002
Foundation and early days
- The DSF was founded in October 2000 as a foundation under civil law with funds from the federal budget with the aim of strengthening peace and conflict research in the long term.
- The DSF Foundation Board held its constituent meeting at the end of April.
- In August 2001, the DSF office began its work in Osnabrück.
- The historic Ledenhof stone building became the foundation’s headquarters in May 2002.
Constitutive meeting of the Foundation Board >
Development and establishment
- The guidelines for research funding “Dealing with conflicts that threaten peace” serve as a guideline for funding measures in the first few years.
- The program for structural and young researcher support (5 million euros) makes a significant contribution to the institutional development of peace and conflict research.
2002-2012
2013-2016
Reorganization of the DSF
- The reorganisation of the DSF began in 2013 with a differentiated new funding concept.
- The reform of the statutes in March 2016 laid the foundation for the organisational restructuring of the DSF. The Foundation Council and Executive Board form the new organisational structure.
- Knowledge transfer became a statutory mandate.
Overview of organs and committees >
Further development of the DSF’s funding concept
- In 2017, the DSF expanded its funding concept to include a thematic funding line for the first time.
- The evaluation by the Science Council (2019) was positive: the DSF is “indispensable” in its function for the research field and requires better financial resources.
further information on the evaluation >
- The foundation receives endowments and grants from the federal budget.
- With its new funding concept based on the guiding principles of “research innovation, network building, and knowledge transfer,” the DSF is expanding its range of funding opportunities.
- The DSF is increasing its annual funding budget and consolidating its call for proposals for thematic funding lines.
further information on the funding concept >
2017-2021
Ab 2024
Consolidation of support services
- Between 2024 and 2029, the DSF will receive an additional endowment of €2 million from the federal budget each year in order to consolidate its funding activities.
- The foundation is improving the funding conditions for research projects.
25 years DSF
- The foundation celebrates its 25th anniversary in Osnabrück.
2025

Photo gallery: 25 years of DSF

Available soon

DSF in figures

Available soon

25 years DSF

Conference and celebration

Impressionen

Conference program

Milestones of the DSF

2000-2002

2002-2012

2013-2016

2017-2021

Ab 2024

2025

Photo gallery: 25 years of DSF

DSF in figures