Newsroom

Podium mit several people
News 04 April 2023

African scientists create "Knowledge for Tomorrow"

The Volkswagen Foundation launched its research commitment in Africa 20 years ago. Now, the Foundation is inviting its fellows to Naivasha, Kenya, for a future-oriented dialogue.

Several persons in discussion
News 29 March 2023

Supporting Science in Sub-Saharan Africa: On the satisfaction derived from developing solutions

Not only crises caused by political upheavals or famines continue to wreak havoc on societies and communities on the African continent. Gilbert Fokou, a social anthropologist from Cameroon, sees himself as a bridging interface between the people and decision-makers in politics. He is driven by a strong determination to help the very poor. 

Woman in front of a shelf with records
Story 16 March 2023

Supporting Science in Sub-Saharan Africa: Saving people and sounds from being forgotten

Lizabé Lambrechts researches South African popular music from the apartheid era 

Hand an einer Seehundschnauze
Story 14 March 2023

Behavioral Biology - The Secret of the Seals

Marine mammals are fascinating creatures. Their visual system in particular, and how it contributes to underwater orientation, for example, is still a mystery. Frederike Hanke from the University of Rostock wants to change that.

large group of people on stairs in front of a white representative building
Interview 09 March 2023

Supporting Science in Sub-Saharan Africa: Knowledge for Tomorrow with Multiplier Effect

The Foundation supported research in sub-Saharan Africa through the funding of fellowships and cooperation projects. In this interview, two of the German coordinators describe their experiences. 

Illustration with text "Ist das Fair?" (Is it fair?)
Story 21 February 2023

Is it fair? Algorithms and asylum seekers

Europe is experimenting with the application of automated decision-making to manage asylum and migration processes. Researchers in an international project are investigating whether and how the use of algorithms is able to contribute to fairness.

Stories

Satellitenansicht der Innertropischen Konvergenzzone
Story 09 June 2026

Climate Research Using Old Ship’s Logs: the Wind Leaves no Trace on the Sea

Did a volcanic eruption in 1783 shift the tropical rain belt? Old ship’s logs could provide the answer – and also shed light on the future climate for millions of people living around the equator.

Mehrere Personen sitzen zusammen, eine Frau erzählt etwas, ein Mann tippt dabei an einem Laptop. Im Hintergrund sind Bananenpflanzen und ein Dschungel-Wald zu sehen.
Story 27 May 2026

A Pharmacy From the Rainforest: Remedies for the Mind

Fabien Schultz is searching for natural materials that can be used to treat mental health conditions. To this end, he is working with indigenous communities in Uganda and Tanzania – and with monkeys.

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