Why do we need new ways of funding research?
This opening episode dives into the reasoning behind setting up an experimental open call for Impossible Projects and why and how new ways of funding need to be explored.
We set the stage, and discuss: How do existing funding models dictate the research we conduct, and what do we risk by sticking to funding as we know it?

The conversation explores how funding structures quietly shape what kind of knowledge gets produced. From invisible constraints to the creative freedom sparked by a simple three-minute audio call, the team reflects on what emerged when 37 researchers and collectives shared their “unfundable gems.” The discussion touches on the shared frustrations between designers and scientists, the need for cross-institutional collaboration between funders, and the opportunity to move from rigid project cycles toward more open, process-driven ways of supporting research.

Host: Alex Szwaj
Speakers: Kornelia Dimitrova, Jonas Torrens and Stephanie Holst

Relevant connections mentioned in this episode:
Center for Unusual Collaborations: unusualcollaborations.ewuu.nl/
Collaborations for Future: collaborationsforfuture.com/