Research question/goal:

The Knowledge Network on Racism Research (WinRa) aims to connect and strategically strengthen existing racism research in Germany through a research-led, interdisciplinary exchange. Furthermore, WinRa aims at regional strengthening and profile building of interdisciplinary research and teaching contexts for new impulses at the universities and the respective disciplines as well as strengthening and integrating the promotion of young researchers. Finally, exchange between research on right-wing extremism and anti-Semitism and research on integration, migration, and flight is encouraged. Together with the University of Bayreuth, the MZES is responsible for the regional network south and racism research in social science.

Current stage:

In 2025, the online survey among university staff on university courses addressing racism and discrimination, developed in 2024, was conducted. In addition, data on research projects and teaching activities on the same topics were collected, analysed, and synthesised into a report. The findings were differentiated by discipline and regional focus: sociology (region south – Mannheim) and geography and economics (region south – Bayreuth).

In spring 2025, a network meeting of projects funded under the WinRa programme took place, fostering exchange on regional research priorities and opportunities for collaboration. Furthermore, Work Package 3, focusing on regional exploration, began in autumn 2025.

Preparations are also underway for a methodological workshop on racism research, scheduled to take place in Mannheim in autumn 2026.