How do complex relations work?
© Fotografien @A. Haag; Apollon/Justitia: GDJ @pixabay, bearb. v. A. Haag

TRA Individuals, Institutions and Societies

Our coexistence on this planet is a matter of interaction between individuals, institutions and societies. Countless factors influence our capacity to meet the challenges the present and the future hold. The TRA Individuals and Societies bridges the gaps between the fields of law, theologies, philosophy, economics, psychology, sociology, medicine and other disciplines, conducting research projects on ethics, digitalization / AI, social cohesion and other key issues of our time.

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Research

Read here about the research profile, topics and funded projects of our TRA.

About us

Learn more about goals and the organization of the transdisciplinary research area

Offers

Information on offers and events of our TRA can be found here.

Funding opportunities

Here you can find out more about our funding opportunities

News from the TRA

Notifications

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Good news, false expectations? How people assess potential returns in the stock market
A study involving the Cluster of Excellence ECONtribute at the Universities of Bonn and Cologne demonstrates that not only retail investors but also financial professionals often assess the potential returns on the stock market differently to what standard models of financial economics predict. This is due to differing ideas about how news on companies affects future stock returns. The study, entitled “Mental Models of the Stock Market,” has been published in the prestigious Quarterly Journal of Economics.
Aug 12, 2026
© Photo: Volker Lannert/Uni Bonn
Report "The Environment Shapes Security" published
As well as presenting ecological challenges, global changes in the environment—such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution—are also impacting security, societal stability and international peace. This is the conclusion reached by the German Advisory Council on Global Change (WBGU) in its new report section entitled “The Environment Shapes Security,” which has now been published as the first chapter of the flagship report “Security – Sustainable and Integrated.” Among the lead authors was Professor Anna-Katharina Hornidge, a professor at the University of Bonn and Director of the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS).
Jun 26, 2026
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Call for Abstracts – Healing Through Data? (Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026)
Interdisciplinary Conference of the Young Forum of the Görres Society in collaboration with the Center for Life Ethics (University of Bonn) Medicine and healthcare are shaped by innovation, progress, and data. The current digital transformation is revolutionizing healthcare at an unprecedented pace. From AI-assisted diagnostics and telemedicine consultations to digital health applications (DiGA) and electronic health records, all the way to the use of robotics and AI in diagnostics, therapy, and care. Above all, these technological innovations promise more efficient processes, more precise, personalized therapies, and a reduced workload for all staff.   The far-reaching transformation currently underway is clearly more than just a technological or economic process. It touches on the very core of human existence: our vulnerability, our autonomy, and our need for care. The digital transformation of the healthcare system therefore raises pressing ethical questions. Some examples include: How can we safeguard patients’ well-being amid the tension between algorithmic decision-making and medical or nursing expertise? How are technologies changing interpersonal relationships in medicine and nursing? And how can healthcare institutions shape this transformation in a fair and values-driven manner?   Everyone interested in the topic—which will be discussed from an interdisciplinary perspective—is invited.
Jun 18, 2026
© Photos: Johann Saba (UKB)/Gregor Hübl (University of Bonn)
Two in One Go
What is the best way to shape the future of waterfront cities in the Global South in the face of challenges like climate change? How are conflicts overcome in various different cultures? These key questions are now to be explored by two new Research Training Groups (RTGs) at the University of Bonn. Alongside the University Hospital Bonn as a partner, the proposal was also submitted together with a university of applied sciences for the first time in the shape of Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS). The German Research Foundation (DFG) is providing the two institutions with millions of euros in funding to train doctoral students. Across Germany, the DFG will be supporting 10 new RTGs in all from fall 2026 onward. 
Jun 03, 2026

Highlights and announcements

Get involved in the TRA

As a member of TRA, you can access funding opportunities, participate in events and build new networks.

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Become a member of the TRA!

Click here to become a member of the TRA Individuals, Institutions and Societies

Here you will find:

Members Area:  Change your data in the members directory!

Members Directory: Find cooperation partners!

Collaboration Space (internal): Get connected!

Meet our Researchers

Inter- and transdisciplinary research is actively pursued at the University of Bonn and is promoted across faculty boundaries - by our TRA-Professorships and our members.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Matthias Braun

Spokespersons of the TRA; Chair for Social Ethics

Prof. Dr. Hans-Martin von Gaudecker

Spokespersons of the TRA; Institute for Applied Microeconomics

Johanna Tix

+49 228 73 54468

Manager of the TRA Individuals and Societies

Dechenstraße 3-11

53115 Bonn

Discover more

The six Transdisciplinary Research Areas

The six Transdisciplinary Research Areas (TRAs) create areas for exploration and innovation in research and teaching at the University of Bonn.

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Excellence Strategy

We invest in People. We foster Networks. We create Impact. 

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Clusters of Excellence

ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy, a joint initiative of the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, is funded as a Cluster of Excellence. 

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