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.

Learn more
humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

Societal Transformations

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

Learn more
Hand with compass

Exploration

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

Learn more
Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

Learn more
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

  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

23 Apr 2025, 09:30 a.m. - 24 Apr 2025, 05:00 p.m.

Final Symposium "AI and the society of the future"

Learn more
Es ist ein weißer Roboterarm zu sehen, der ein blau leuchtendes Gehirnmodell hält.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Matinée

27 Apr 2025, 11:00 a.m. - 03:00 p.m.

Vom Ananas-Gewächshaus bis zum Zitronen-Parterre - Pflanzhäuser in historischen Gartenanlagen

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt die Orangerie Herrenhausen, davor Pflanzkübel mit Pflanzen aus aller Welt.

Newsroom

Funding offer 09 April 2025

Strategic Experimental Spaces – University Development Requires Flexibility

Funding is provided for strategic concepts at universities in conjunction with the relevant ministries, within which new approaches are tested that previously could not be implemented due to legal or bureaucratic regulations. Online Q&As on 24 April, 21 May and 17 June, deadline: 30 September 2025

Read article
Illustration mit einem Erlenmeyerkolben, aus dem Blätter wachsen
Funding offer 03 April 2025

Sustainability Funds

Sustainability and a resource-efficient design of research processes are important issues for the foundation. It therefore provides its funding recipients with funds to have their laboratories certified as sustainable through respective certification programs.

Read article