As a private research funding organization, we support researchers with creative ideas aimed at changing the world of science – something we have been doing for more than 60 years now. Our mission: We endow knowledge.

Visit our funding portfolio Who we are

We provide support in four profile areas

Pile of books

Understanding Research

Critically exploring and reflecting on the research system with a view to initiating positive change on areas such as career paths, governance, research and teaching.

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humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

Societal Transformations

Expanding knowledge about processes of transformation and developing possible courses of action together with stakeholders in civil society.

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Hand with compass

Exploration

Breaking into previously unexplored research territory with unconventional ideas and experimental approaches.

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Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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Portrait einer Frau

ehrenwerk.tv für VolkswagenStiftung

How do we bring society around the table with AI research?

About Anika Kaiser and her research for a better dialogue between citizens and science

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

01 Jul 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Den Krebs überleben – neue Hoffnung dank innovativer Therapieansätze

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Zu sehen ist eine Krebszelle im Fadenkreuz.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

12 Aug 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Tierisch tödlich – wie gefährlich sind Zoonosen?

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Zu sehen sind zwei Petrischalen mit Zellkulturen, die gegen das Licht gehalten werden.

Newsroom

Illustration: Reproduktion von Reichtum
Story 14 May 2025

Politics and wealth: a lopsided alliance?

A small, rich minority is becoming increasingly wealthy. Eva Wegner and Miquel Pellicer ask: How does politics contribute to growing economic inequality – and whose interests do MPs actually represent?

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Funding Offer 09 May 2025

AI Research Groups Lower Saxony

The Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation are jointly seeking scientists who want to set up their own AI research group. Deadline: 30 September 2025

Website zukunft.niedersachsen