The RADIS research network serves as a nationwide hub for interdisciplinary research on Islamism. Active since 2020, it is currently entering its second funding phase (2026–2031) under the BMFTR funding line “Islamism: Effects, Counter-Strategies, and Preventive Measures.” Ten projects in the social sciences, humanities, and cultural studies will be launched in autumn and winter 2026, carried out by various universities, research institutes, and practice partners. These projects will investigate the causes and consequences of Islamism, and analyse how prevention and intervention strategies can be improved.
RADIS is the Research Coordination Network for the funding line, managed by a team from PRIF and IKG Bielefeld in collaboration with further partner organisations. It supports researchers with networking, knowledge transfer, and dialogue with policymakers, prevention practice, and civil society.
A key task of the research network is to break down academic silos. The RADIS team fosters networking among researchers through events and digital tools, ensuring they can make the most of the diverse expertise within the funding line. In addition, RADIS initiates dialogue and collaboration with other stakeholders from research and prevention practice at both national and international levels.
Equally central is RADIS’ role in synthesising the research findings from individual projects and bringing them into active dialogue with the academic community and beyond. Alongside civil society, political and administrative decision-makers are a key target group, as the researchers' insights are ultimately intended to be put into practice. To enhance this knowledge transfer, the team researches various transfer formats and evaluates the tools used, working closely with partner organisations such as HöMS.
To strengthen the links between research and the professional field, the RADIS team works closely with practice partners in prevention, including VPN, BAG RelEx, ufuq.de, and the Legato project network. Furthermore, RADIS sees itself as an open network that brings together diverse perspectives and stakeholders, providing a space for exchange and cooperation.
During the first funding phase of RADIS (2020–2026), around 100 researchers across 12 projects explored the field of Islamism. The research projects and the coordination network were funded by the BMFTR funding line “Social Causes and Effects of Radical Islam in Germany and Europe.”