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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Hand an Matratzenberg

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

Mar. 11, 2025, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Frieden in Krisenzeiten: Herausforderungen auf dem Weg zu Stabilität

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Skulptur "Knotted gun" von Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd vor dem UN-Hauptgebäude in New York
  • Expert meeting
  • Hochschulpolitisches Werkstattgespräch

Mar. 21, 2025, 02:00 PM - Mar. 22, 2025, 03:00 PM

Hochschulen als Bollwerk der Demokratie

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Wegweiser Universität vor blauem Himmel

Newsroom

Funding offer 28. January 2025

Theme Week "The (De)tabooing of Science and Research"

How do taboos emerge in science? What exactly is considered taboo in different fields? And how can these taboos be dismantled? These are some of the questions that will be addressed during the theme week from September 17–19, 2025 in Hannover. Apply now for a scientific symposium, deadline: February 11, 2025.

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Funding offer 23. January 2025

Change! Fellowships

With the new funding program, the Volkswagen Foundation supports scientists who conduct research on transformation processes and, with the help of their network, put their knowledge into practice. Next deadline: April 2, 2025; online Q&As on Jan. 31 and Feb. 19

 

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