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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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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Circular economy - new life for old mattresses

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

Events

  • 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,
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Science Movie Night

Sep. 20, 2024, 06:00 PM - 09:45 PM

Just look up! Wie wir apokalyptische Botschaften besser wahrnehmen können

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Werden wir die Warnungen der Wissenschaft erhören, wenn ein Asteroid auf die Erde zurast? (Grafik: lassedesignen/stock.adobe.com)
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra

Oct. 07, 2024, 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Antisemitismus und seine vielen Gesichter: Auftakt einer Vortragsreihe

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Das Bild zeigt eine Hand, die ein Pappschild hochhält. Darauf steht geschrieben "Gegen jeden Antisemitismus". Im Hintergrund sieht man die deutsche und die israelische Flagge.

Newsroom

Zwei Frauen sprechen vor einer Gruppe von Zuhörerinnen
News 21. August 2024

Women's Impact Award: the three shortlisted winners have been announced

Together with ‘Falling Walls Female Science Talents’ and other partner organisations, the Volkswagen Foundation supports the Women's Impact Award. The first three shortlisted winners have now been announced - congratulations!

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Funding offer 15. August 2024

Pioneer Projects – Impetus for the German Research System

The Volkswagen Foundation wants to offer experimental spaces for fundamental innovations and significant improvements in all areas of the (German) research system. To this end, the Foundation will fund promising ideas for pioneer projects from the academic community. Deadline for draft proposals: October 15, 2024

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