DFG-Förderung in den Wirtschaftswissenschaften: Fakten und Mythen zur Förderpraxis

Academics in the field of economic sciences are increasingly expected to solicit (research based) third party funding, even in competition with other disciplines. The recent Excellence Initiative in Germany, in which economic sciences have performed disappointingly, has shown this pressure quite plainly. This article gives an overview of the main funding programmes of the DFG (German Research Association), the assessment and decision-making process in these programmes and discusses the position of economics in the DFG funding context.

Ergonomics in Germany

In Germany there is a wide gap between the narrow, scientifically, technically and physiologically based definition of ergonomics and the much more comprehensive definition of “Arbeitswissenschaft” (work sciences) containing elements of industrial engineering, industrial sociology, personnel management and other application-related disciplines. This paper reviews the trends in ergonomics research and teaching over the last 100 years and describes this bifurcated development. The Gesellschaft für Arbeitswissenschaft (GfA, German Ergonomics Society) supports the broad definition of ergonomics. The structure and size of the GfA is explained. Memoranda prepared by the GfA and the German Research Association on the current situation in ergonomics are discussed. The incorporation of ergonomics in various branches of study is discussed and opinions are expressed on study qualifications containing elements of ergonomics and their opportunities on the labor market.