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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humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

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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Hand an Matratzenberg

Circular economy - new life for old mattresses

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

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra

Nov. 22, 2024, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Golden Ear Challenge 2024 - Hörforschung zum Mitmachen

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Das Bild zeigt Freigeist-Fellow und Forschungsgruppenleiter Dr. Kai Siedenburg, der an einer Geige horcht
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Xchange

Nov. 26, 2024, 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM

Lasst uns reden! Wie wir wieder miteinander ins Gespräch kommen

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  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Late
  • With live stream

Dec. 10, 2024, 08:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Es gibt ihn, es gibt ihn nicht. Die Frage nach dem freien Willen

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Das Bild zeigt DJ Richmond bei Herrenhausen Late der VolkswagenStiftung im Festsaal des Xplanatoriums Herrenhausen in Hannover.

Newsroom

Bunte Streifen auf schwarzem Hintergrund
Interview 14. November 2024

New perspective on neurodegenerative diseases

Biophysicist Janna Nawroth wants to find out how cilia in our brain ventricles influence the development of neuronal diseases and certain neurological conditions such as sleep. A "pioneer project".

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Blick in den unterirdischen Tagungssaal von Schloss Herrenhausen
In brief 13. November 2024

Call for papers: Conference "Universities and the Public Good"

From September 10 to 12, 2025, the conference "Universities and the Public Good: Research, Education, and Democracy since 1945" will take place at Herrenhausen Palace, Hanover. The call for papers is aimed at established academics (general workshop) and young academics (Young Scholars Forum). Deadline: January 19, 2025

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