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.
Changing society for the better: 28 million euros for transformative research projects
Positive change is needed for a society worth living in. With "Change!", the Foundation is funding 17 projects that combine research and practical knowledge with 28 million euros – from educational equity and coastal research to AI in law enforcement.
Our new user-optimised funding platform is now available! You can use it to submit applications and access all important information and documents related to our funding initiatives.
