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.

Learn more
humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

Societal Transformations

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

Learn more
Hand with compass

Exploration

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

Learn more
Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

Learn more
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

Nov. 09, 2024, 07:30 PM - 09:20 PM

Finale des Debattier-Turniers im Xplanatorium

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt Ausschnitte eines klatschendes Publikums.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Science Movie Night

Nov. 15, 2024, 06:00 PM - 09:15 PM

Climate Endgame – radikal, rücksichtslos, gerechtfertigt?

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt Aktivist:innen, die auf die Unsinnigkeit der Erschließung von Erdöl in der Nordsee hinweisen.
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Nov. 19, 2024, 01:30 PM - Nov. 21, 2024, 01:00 PM

Global Issues Convention 2024

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt eine Weltkugel.

Newsroom

Illustration mit Ladebalken und Text "Work in progress"
News 30. October 2024

Coming soon: Our new funding platform

We are proud to announce a new user-optimised funding platform, which will launch in early 2025. Important: Our current "Application and report system" will be unavailable from the end of November 2024. You will be able to apply for funding again from mid-January 2025. Find out more about the transition and what applicants and grantees need to know. 

Read article
Funding offer 07. October 2024

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.

Read article