Scientific Funding of the RAG Foundation

The scientific funding of the RAG Foundation supports public and non-profit institutions as well as educational establishments in the former hard coal mining regions of the Ruhr area, Saarland, and Ibbenbüren. As a grant provider, it funds research projects on post-mining and mining history that serve the study, preservation, and communication of mining heritage. A particular focus lies on interdisciplinary investigations into mine water management and groundwater purification, as well as on the development of sustainable concepts for the management of geo-resources. With an annual funding volume of around 12 million euros, both established research institutions such as the Georg Agricola University of Applied Sciences and its Post-Mining Research Center, as well as museums and historical institutions, are supported to advance technological innovations and cultural-historical analyses in the mining regions.

Eligible for funding are central institutions, research facilities, and museums located or operating in the Ruhr area, Saarland, or Ibbenbüren, which implement project proposals in the fields of post-mining or mining history. Selection is based on scientific quality, relevance to the mining regions, and sustainability aspects. Applications can be submitted at any time; the application requires a detailed project description, a timeline and financing plan, as well as proof of the institution. The RAG Foundation thus promotes long-term knowledge transfer and contributes to securing the historical and technical heritage of German hard coal mining and making it accessible to future generations.