As a private research funding organization, we support researchers with creative ideas aimed at changing the world of science – something we have been doing for more than 60 years now. Our mission: We endow knowledge.

Visit our funding portfolio Who we are

We provide support in four profile areas

Pile of books

Understanding Research

Critically exploring and reflecting on the research system with a view to initiating positive change on areas such as career paths, governance, research and teaching.

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Societal Transformations

Expanding knowledge about processes of transformation and developing possible courses of action together with stakeholders in civil society.

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Exploration

Breaking into previously unexplored research territory with unconventional ideas and experimental approaches.

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Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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Circular economy - new life for old mattresses

TO THE STORY ABOUT THE ‘REFOAM’ PROJECT BY PETER QUICKER AND HIS TEAM

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

Aug. 15, 2024, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

CO2-Zertifikate – Ablasshandel oder effektive Werkzeuge?

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Das Bild zeugt kleine Geldberge, aus denen Pflanzen wachsen.
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Aug. 20, 2024, 12:00 PM - Aug. 22, 2024, 01:00 PM

Statussymposium "Innovative Approaches to Antiviral Drug Development"

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The funding initiative "Innovative approaches in antiviral drug development" builds a bridge between high-risk basic research and practical application. (Design: Freepik http://www.freepik.com)
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Sep. 04, 2024, 01:00 PM - Sep. 06, 2024, 12:30 PM

Potentials and Challenges for Europe

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Das Bild zeigt eine Frau und einen Mann, die nachdenken. Im Hintergrund ist die EU-Flagge zu sehen,

Newsroom

Illustration mit drei Figuren, die Kommentare zu einer zentralen Darstellung mit Diagrammen machen
Opinion 07. August 2024

Paradoxical participation: three challenges of successful transdisciplinarity

Sociologist Andreas Bischof has summarised his view on the challenges of successful transdisciplinarity for our thematic focus ‘Transdisciplinary research’.

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Glasbehälter mit bunten Losen, aus denen eine Hand auswählt
In brief 31. July 2024

Volkswagen Foundation awards funding for peer reviewers

To increase the attractiveness of reviewers' work, the Foundation has raffled off grants totalling €250,000 for its reviewers. The aim is to better recognise the indispensable work of scientists whose reviews are the basis for high-quality funding decisions.

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