The non-profit association Franciscan Research is an initiative of the Franciscan Orders in the German-speaking world. Its aim is to continue the historically grown tradition of research and science of the Franciscan communities in a contemporary way and to promote the dialogue with the sciences.

For this purpose, the Franciscan Research Centre (FFF) was founded in 2007. It has taken on the task of supporting and networking the existing Order's own research initiatives and scientific institutions of the participating Order Provinces, as well as promoting young scholars within and outside the Orders.

In addition, the FFF develops its own projects and participates in research initiatives with Franciscan references - regularly in collaboration with university and non-university institutions in Germany and abroad. 

• Networking of those involved in Franciscan research
• Networking of the historically grown initiatives of Franciscan research: Werkstatt Franziskanische Forschung; Johannes-Duns-Scotus Academy
• Editorial management of the journal "Wissenschaft und Weisheit" as well as editorial supervision of the publication series "Franziskanische Studien"
• Co-Edition of the series "Workshop Franciscan Research"
• Preparation and execution of scientific publications in cooperation with experts
• Organization and implementation of scientific events in cooperation with experts
• Contact point for those interested in Franciscan research and science
• Support and assistance in the preparation of scientific papers

In 2006 the Ministers Provincial of the German-speaking Franciscan, Capuchin and Minorite Provinces agreed to set up a joint Centre for Franciscan Research. Already in 2007, rooms in the Diocesan Library in Münster could be occupied. At their autumn meeting on 26 October 2009 in the Franciscan monastery of St. Anna in Munich, the Ministers Provincial of the first Order, who are members of DEUFRA, founded the association "Franziskanische Forschung e.V.". Since January 1, 2010, this non-profit association has been the sponsor of the Franciscan Research Centre (FFF), which has been based in Münster since 2007. The participating provinces of the FFF thus opened up new long-term perspectives for the FFF and put it on an independent legal footing.

P. Dr. Damian Bieger OFM

chairman

P. Oliver Ruggenthaler OFM

deputy chairman 

Br. Dr. Niklaus Kuster OFMCap

deputy chairman 

P. Georg Scholles OFM

treasurer 

Prof. Dr. Johannes Baptist Freyer OFM

Ancilla Röttger OSC
Prof. Dr. Sita Steckel
Prof. Dr. Heinz-Dieter Heimann
Prof. Dr. Hillard von Thiessen
Dr. Martina Kreidler-Kos
Dr. Franz Lackner OFM
Andreas Fieback OFM Conv.
Prof. Dr. Rafael Rieger OFM

Prof. Dr. Thomas Dienberg OFMCap