Social change has a significant impact on the debates in the humanities and social sciences. The foundation's 'Trajectories of Change' program provides funding for post-graduate research into transformations in the European periphery. The changing metropolis is the focus of the summer academy 'History Takes Place – Urban Change in Europe' as well as of the fellow program at the HafenCity Universität Hamburg. The Bucerius Young Scholars Forum in Berkeley examines histories of migration from transatlantic and global perspective. The Arnold Heidsieck Scholarships provide funding for studies in the U.S.

The Bucerius Institute for Research of Contemporary German History and Society at the University of Haifa provides a forum for research and debates on historical and current topics concerning the Federal Republic of Germany.