In the 21st century, the financial space for independent research has significantly shrunk. Particularly suffering serious cuts, social sciences and the humanities are among the disciplines whose future is most under threat – gender studies being a specifically targeted field of study. Moreover, changes in the financing and management of universities and research institutions have led to a decrease of funding for independent research and to increased competition over research resources. Even though researchers spend months of their (often unpaid) time on research proposals, it is very common now for these to have only a 5% chance of success.

Simultaneously, inequality in Europe and beyond is rising substantially, leading to serious negative consequences at the macro, micro, meso level. But while there is an urgent need to increase our knowledge about intersectional inequalities, there are currently scant opportunities to generate much-needed research and knowledge that could help us address these injustices.

Aiming to contribute to better knowledge about inequalities and injustice in our societies, the  FLAX Foundation acts from the adage that “good research is what good researchers do.” The Foundation carefully selects excellent researchers, and funds and supports their work on inequalities and injustice. The Foundation also generates and supporst networks of such excellent researchers, and can promote the funded research through highly visible public events.

In these ways, the FLAX Foundation generates and supports innovative research and knowledge on feminist and inequality issues in Europe and contributes to a society with greater social justice, equality, and solidarity. By providing researchers with the space and time for their work, and by helping to showcase that work, the FLAX Foundation seeks to especially stimulate the development of social sciences and the humanities when it comes to inequalities and social justice.