DemocracyinAction: Horizon Europe funding for research into democratic culture in immersive digital environments
In February 2025, a new research project on democracy began work at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences with funding from the European Commission. The German sub-project of the European network is headed by Prof. Dr. Matthias Quent.
In February 2025, a new research project on democracy began its work at Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences with funding from the European Commission. The German sub-project of the European network is headed by Prof. Dr. Matthias Quent. The Horizon Europe project #DEMOCRACYinACTION investigates arts- and culture-based grassroots organizations in order to understand their potential to support democracy-related processes in the EU. Eight research institutions from six European countries are involved in the joint project, including Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences. Under the leadership of Magdeburg sociologist Prof. Dr. Matthias Quent, the focus is on researching the connection between virtual spaces of experience in the so-called metaverse and political engagement. The potential of virtual spaces, such as virtual reality, to create and promote democratic cooperation through immersive experiences is being investigated. In the transdisciplinary research, the team is gaining findings on democratic processes in the metaverse in four project focal points: 1) Nightivism (cultural nightlife in cities for political engagement); 2) Mobilization for women’s rights; 3) Participation of citizens through culture; 4) Youth activism and political education in particular. During the three years of the project, the aim is to use participatory research to develop recommendations for the EU, civil society, and the digital economy for the democratic and safe use and design of social media and the internet of the future.
Cooperation partner
EU-Horizon project management: Leiden University, Netherlands
Project duration
01.02.2025-31.01.2028
Head: Prof. Dr. Matthias Quent
Post-Doc: Nica Junker Ph.D.
Further information: https://idk-lsa.de