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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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

  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Late
  • With live stream

Jan. 15, 2025, 08:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Zecken im Klimawandel: Wer gewinnt, wer verliert?

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Das Bild zeigt Prof. Christina Strube mit einer Riesenzecke und Hund
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Jan. 22, 2025, 02:30 PM - Jan. 23, 2025, 06:00 PM

International Science & Policy Symposium (ISPS): Navigating Global Responsibility - How Research-Intensive Universities Strengthen Societies

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Das Bild zeigt weiße Linien vor rotem Hintergrund
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Gespräch
  • With live stream

Feb. 04, 2025, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Care-Arbeit neu denken: Anerkennung und Lösungen für die Pflege

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Das Bild zeigt eine Person, die eine andere Person im Rollstuhl schiebt.

Newsroom

Illustration einer Gruppe Protestierender
Story 05. December 2024

Radical democracy – How grassroots movements lead to solidarity and problem solution

5 countries, 10 cities, over 100 initiatives – in a large-scale research project, social scientist Helge Schwiertz is investigating how citizens are working together at local levels to find solutions to the major crises facing Europe.

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Cover mit Aufdruck "Steckbrief"
Publication of the Foundation 26. November 2024

Profile - the Volkswagen Foundation in brief

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