Illustration einer Gruppe Protestierender
Story 05 December 2024

Radical democracy – How grassroots movements lead to solidarity and problem solution

5 countries, 10 cities, over 100 initiatives – in a large-scale research project, social scientist Helge Schwiertz is investigating how citizens are working together at local levels to find solutions to the major crises facing Europe.

Frau im Portrait, dahinter Illustration mit MIkrofon
Interview 02 December 2024

Researching Research: "There is still considerable potential!"

The "Researching Research" funding initiative strengthens interdisciplinarity and internationalisation in the field – and is also intended to generate policy recommendations for policy-makers. An interview with the programme manager Johanna Brumberg.

Cover mit Aufdruck "Steckbrief"
Publication of the Foundation 26 November 2024

Profile - the Volkswagen Foundation in brief

Eine Gruppe Erwachsener vor einem imposanten Garten
Event report 19 November 2024

Focus on Europe: Challenges and potentials

The European idea is noticeably crumbling. Researchers funded by the Volkswagen Foundation met at the status symposium 'Challenges and potentials for Europe' to exchange views on the results of their research on the topic.  One conclusion: fortunately, joint European research on Europe is not crumbling!  

Bunte Streifen auf schwarzem Hintergrund
Interview 14 November 2024

New perspective on neurodegenerative diseases

Biophysicist Janna Nawroth wants to find out how cilia in our brain ventricles influence the development of neuronal diseases and certain neurological conditions such as sleep. A "pioneer project".

Blick in den unterirdischen Tagungssaal von Schloss Herrenhausen
In brief 13 November 2024

Call for papers: Conference "Universities and the Public Good"

From September 10 to 12, 2025, the conference "Universities and the Public Good: Research, Education, and Democracy since 1945" will take place at Herrenhausen Palace, Hanover. The call for papers is aimed at established academics (general workshop) and young academics (Young Scholars Forum). Deadline: January 19, 2025