History and the Future of the Scientific Society Freiburg – Geschichte und Zukunft der Wissenschaftlichen Gesellschaft Freiburg

This article describes the history and current work of the Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft Freiburg (Scientific Society Freiburg). It was founded in 1911 as a "corporation under public law" in order to support research at the University of Freiburg with financial contributions. The Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft is thus probably the oldest, still existing institution for the promotion of research at a German university. It owes its current assets of over six million euros to two large nationwide fundraising campaigns, several larger estates and a skillful asset management over the past 50 years. Due to its status under public law, the Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft Freiburg has the advantage over comparable foundations that it can accumulate unlimited assets and, if necessary, draw on its assets. The current funding activities of the Wissenschaftliche Gesellschaft Freiburg focus on a) the financing of equipment and technical needs, in particular in pilot projects, b) the financing of closed conferences for the planning of large interdisciplinary research projects, c) subsidies for the printing of outstanding publications and finally d) the financing of lecture trips to international congresses. In all four cases, young scientists are given preferential support. In addition to this funding, the company also awards an annual research prize.