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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Hand with compass

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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Portrait einer Frau

ehrenwerk.tv für VolkswagenStiftung

How do we bring society around the table with AI research?

About Anika Kaiser and her research for a better dialogue between citizens and science

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

01 Jul 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Den Krebs überleben – neue Hoffnung dank innovativer Therapieansätze

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Zu sehen ist eine Krebszelle im Fadenkreuz.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

12 Aug 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Tierisch tödlich – wie gefährlich sind Zoonosen?

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Zu sehen sind zwei Petrischalen mit Zellkulturen, die gegen das Licht gehalten werden.

Newsroom

Illustration: Schneebedeckte Landschaft mit Personen, die aus den Tälern per Seil Materialien hervorholen wollen.
News 03 June 2025

How an AI transparency register can become a reality

To be made sustainably fit for the future, public administrations must undergo a challenging digital transformation. But the AI required for this also harbours risks. A research project is developing a roadmap to greater transparency – with the help of a register.

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Illustration: Reproduktion von Reichtum
Story 14 May 2025

Politics and wealth: a lopsided alliance?

A small, rich minority is becoming increasingly wealthy. Eva Wegner and Miquel Pellicer ask: How does politics contribute to growing economic inequality – and whose interests do MPs actually represent?

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