Research and consulting
The practice-oriented research and consulting activities of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung take place at the locations in Bonn and Berlin. Its centralised discussion circles on economic, technological, labour and social policies, and also on social and contemporary history focus on topics which will be pivotal in shaping our society in future.
At the same time, the political and academic dialogue on problems of foreign and security policies is promoted. Analyses and potential solutions drawn up at symposia, special-subject conferences and discussion forums are made available to a wider circle of experts from politics, business and academia and to interested citizens by means of a large number of publications.
Research on social and contemporary history is dedicated to the historical context of social democracy and trade unions. The Archives of Social Democracy and the library of the FES in Bonn preserve "both the unprinted and printed memory of the labour movement". The Karl-Marx-House and its study centre in Trier are also part of the historical research activities.
Political education
It is the aim of political education by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung to assist the citizens of the Federal Republic of Germany in responding to changes in politics and society and thus to enable them to take part in a critical and proactive manner.
The corresponding activities which focus, amongst other things, on creating a well-balanced relationship between east and west Germany, take place in two conference centres, its academies and 13 regional offices.
The wide range of subjects and questions includes all fundamental issues concerning democracy, international relations and day-to-day politics.
Scholarship programme
In its graduate and post-graduate programmes the FES supports students and academics with outstanding qualifications from Germany and abroad for whom an academic education is not only a first step in their professional career but expresses their commitment to democracy, the State and society. In its supplementary seminar programme the FES aims at building bridges between science and its practical application and at creating a better understanding about the purpose and the nature of democracy and social policy.