Why does neurodegeneration research need new impetus - and how can interdisciplinarity help to achieve a breakthrough? Our Program Directors Dr Theresa Kratzsch and Dr Franziska Rönicke explain the vision behind the new 'NEXT – Rethink Neurodegeneration!' call.
From energy-intensive equipment and ventilation systems to consumables: scientific research laboratories consume a lot of energy and other resources. Chemist Prof. Dr Nico Bruns from TU Darmstadt explains why it pays to properly organise laboratories with the aim of achieving more sustainably.
Academic Freedom Index 2025: Academic freedom has declined in 34 countries
The growing influence of anti-pluralist parties is often accompanied by a decline in academic freedom in the respective country. This is one of the findings of the latest Academic Freedom Index (AFI). It covers 179 countries worldwide.
Night Science - How the Volkswagen Foundation creates space for creative thinking
Science needs creativity - but there is seldom room for it in day-to-day research. The Volkswagen Foundation wants to change this with its new "Night Science" funding programme. In our interview, programme directors Franziska Rönicke and Victoria Abakumovski explain why and how unconventional thinking is supported. Online Q&A: 15 and 24 April, deadline: 5 June 2025
Online Q&A for Lower Saxony-Scottish collaborations
A new initiative offers scientists at universities in Lower Saxony and Scotland the opportunity to conduct joint research. On 6 and 18 March, the contact persons will answer all questions about the offer in online Q&A.
Democracies under pressure: 14 million euros to research how to overcome the crisis
The foundation has brought together researchers from the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences, as well as practitioners from outside academia, to develop new ideas and solutions for making democracies more resilient.
