Think Tank for Humanism and Enlightenment

The Giordano Bruno Stiftung (gbs) is a think tank for humanism and enlightenment that has been joined by many renowned scientists, philosophers and artists. The foundation is currently backed by more than 10,000 supporting members and 50 regional and university groups.

The foundation's goal is to develop a viable humanistic, rational and evidence-based alternative to the traditional religions and to help it become established in society. This objective is based on the insight that we cannot face the complex challenges of the 21st century using the religious paradigms of the past. (Read more)

Latest news

»Change the Iran Policy!«

Giordano Bruno Foundation supports the »Appeal of the Women« to the Federal Government

2026/01/05

Iranian women and men are once again protesting nationwide against the Islamist mullah regime, which has been terrorizing the population for more than 40 years. »Only the pressure of Western governments can protect them now,« states an appeal signed by, among others, Mina Ahadi, Seyran Ateş, and Güner Balci. The »Appell der Frauen 2026« (Appeal of the Women 2026) is also supported by the Giordano Bruno Foundation.

»Go Future!«

This year's gbs focus theme concentrates on solutions – instead of problems

2026/01/01

The future cannot be saved with a »salto mortale« into the past. The fact that backward-looking ideologies with their focus on »Volk« (TN: people/nation), »Nation«, and »Religion« have become so attractive is connected to the fact that many people have lost hope for a better future. The Giordano Bruno Foundation (gbs) aims to counteract this with its focus theme for this year.

The Majority of Germans Is No Longer Religious

A current fowid study illustrates how far secularization has progressed

2025/11/06

84 percent of Germans hold the view that politicians should »make decisions in a worldview-neutral manner,« 76 percent agree with the conviction that ethical-moral decisions should be based »on reason and compassion,« »not on divine commandments.« This is the finding of a representative survey that, commissioned by the Forschungsgruppe Weltanschauungen in Deutschland (fowid, Research Group on Worldviews in Germany ), examined the attitudes of the population on the topics »State – Society – Worldview.«

Will Section 218 of the German Criminal Code Fall After All?

The resistance of gynecologist Prof. Joachim Volz sets many things in motion

2025/08/12

After the end of the "traffic light coalition" and the narrowly failed attempt in parliament to decriminalize abortion, there was great disillusionment in the ranks of pro-choice activists. But then the "Joachim Volz" case emerged, which brought new momentum to a debate that had already been written off. Suddenly, much seems possible again.

»We will not give up the support of humanistic students!«

The Bertha von Suttner-Studienwerk continues its work – even if no new scholarship holders can be admitted in 2025

2025/06/04

Currently, the Bertha von Suttner-Studienwerk (BvS) supports more than 20 scholarship holders; from October onwards there will only be ten. The reason for this is a "double blow" from public authorities, as the BvS board explains. "Unfortunately, we cannot accept any new scholarship holders in the current year. But of course we will not give up the support of humanistic students! The next call for applications for the Suttner Scholarship will take place in May 2026."

fowid Analysis: The Non-Denominational in Germany

What characterizes people who do not belong to any religion?

2025/05/01

The non-denominational in Germany – that is around 37 million people, of whom 30 million are older than 18 years. What is characteristic of them? And what distinguishes them from church members? The "Research Group on Worldviews in Germany" (fowid) wants to clarify these questions as part of a three-part study that draws on the current data of the "German General Social Survey" (ALLBUS, 1982 – 2023).

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