viele hochgestreckte Daumen vor einer dunklen Schiefertafel
News 19 June 2024

Positive feedback for distributed peer review

The Volkswagen Foundation's "Distributed Peer Review" experiment is well received by applicants, as a survey by the Research on Research Institute (RoRI) shows.

Funding offer 18 June 2024

Theme Week '(Tackling) Loneliness' (completed)

Apply now with your symposium: The aim of the (Tackling) Loneliness theme week is to explore loneliness and social isolation from a holistic, interdisciplinary and intersectional perspective and to propose solutions for more togetherness. Deadline: October 29, 2024

Lottery drum on a blue background
News 30 May 2024

Everyone is equal in the lottery drum

Reaching funding decisions by drawing lots? Although that might sound a little dubious, it is not. This is proven by a scientifically monitored experiment carried out by the Volkswagen Foundation, which concludes that a partially randomized selection procedure following the scientific reviews brings more diversity into the pool of grantees. The researchers asked by the Foundation to monitor the procedure arrive at some interesting insights in their overall assessment.

A concrete-like wall can be seen, from which thin, interwoven strips of wood protrude at the top.
Story 29 May 2024

Mushrooms instead of concrete: innovative biomaterials enable sustainable construction

When we talk about cutting CO2, we usually think of green electricity or transforming transport. However, a less obvious area – the building sector – offers huge potential for savings. A Kassel University researcher wants to combine biomaterials with digital manufacturing technologies and make them available for architecture.

Funding offer 27 May 2024

Researching research: collaborative projects

'Political influences on epistemic practice' was the topic of the previous call for proposals within the funding initiative "Researching Research: Collaborative Research Projects". The next call is expected in 2026.

Funding offer 04 May 2024

Themed Week 'Digital Competences in Science' (completed)

Apply now with your symposium: With a themed week in December 2024, the Volkswagen Foundation would like to contribute to making ideas and initiatives on digital competences in science more visible and to promote interdisciplinary and supra-regional exchange. The themed week is primarily aimed at applicants from core facilities, science management, libraries, technical services and administration. Deadline: May 7, 2024