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

  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Jan. 22, 2025, 02:30 PM - Jan. 23, 2025, 06:00 PM

International Science & Policy Symposium (ISPS): Navigating Global Responsibility - How Research-Intensive Universities Strengthen Societies

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Das Bild zeigt weiße Linien vor rotem Hintergrund
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Gespräch
  • With live stream

Feb. 04, 2025, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Care-Arbeit neu denken: Anerkennung und Lösungen für die Pflege

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Das Bild zeigt eine Person, die eine andere Person im Rollstuhl schiebt.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

Mar. 11, 2025, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Frieden in Krisenzeiten: Herausforderungen auf dem Weg zu Stabilität

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Skulptur "Knotted gun" von Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd vor dem UN-Hauptgebäude in New York

Newsroom

Funding offer 23. January 2025

Change! Fellowships

With the new funding program, the Volkswagen Foundation supports scientists who conduct research on transformation processes and, with the help of their network, put their knowledge into practice. Next deadline: April 2, 2025; online Q&As on Jan. 31 and Feb. 19

 

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Funding offer 22. January 2025

Open Up – New Research Spaces for the Humanities and Cultural Studies

The funding initiative aims at exploring new research spaces in the humanities and cultural sciences. Online Q&As on Feb. 21 (German) and Feb. 28 (English), 2025, 10 AM (no registration necessary).  Application deadline: April 3, 2025

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