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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Societal Transformations

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

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Exploration

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

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zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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Circular economy - new life for old mattresses

TO THE STORY ABOUT THE ‘REFOAM’ PROJECT BY PETER QUICKER AND HIS TEAM

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

Aug. 15, 2024, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

CO2-Zertifikate – Ablasshandel oder effektive Werkzeuge?

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  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Aug. 20, 2024, 12:00 PM - Aug. 22, 2024, 01:00 PM

Statussymposium "Innovative Approaches to Antiviral Drug Development"

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The funding initiative "Innovative approaches in antiviral drug development" builds a bridge between high-risk basic research and practical application. (Design: Freepik http://www.freepik.com)
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Sep. 04, 2024, 01:00 PM - Sep. 06, 2024, 12:30 PM

Potentials and Challenges for Europe

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Das Bild zeigt eine Frau und einen Mann, die nachdenken. Im Hintergrund ist die EU-Flagge zu sehen,

Newsroom

Illustration: Mann mit Laborbrille und Lupe blickt auf ein Modell der Erde
In brief 17. July 2024

Understanding the Earth as a system: 10 million euros for reorientation and networking in "Earth system sciences"

Earth system sciences understand the world as a complex system. Phenomena of the Anthropocene, such as climate change, are the result of multiple interactions in this system concept, the interplay of which is researched by Earth system sciences. In order to establish this guiding principle in research and teaching, the Volkswagen Foundation has granted six junior professorships - with funding totalling around 10 million euros.

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zwei Frauen vor einer rosafarbenen Wand
Interview 16. July 2024

An art in itself - opportunities and risks of transdisciplinary research

Is it such a good idea for researchers to collaborate with stakeholders from outside the academic community? A discussion on the risks and opportunities of transdisciplinary research that took place between Berlin-based mobility researcher Sophia Becker and Henrike Hartmann, Deputy Secretary General of the Volkswagen Foundation, moderated by science journalist Christine Prußky.

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