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

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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"

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Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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How can the cultural perspective help to deal with the challenges of sinking cities?

Read the story about Hilke Berger project "Sinking Cities"

Events

  • 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
  • Expert meeting
  • Herrenhausen Conference

Apr. 09, 2025, 12:00 PM - Apr. 11, 2025, 02:00 PM

International Urban Health Summit

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Newsroom

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Interview 13. March 2025

Night Science - How the Volkswagen Foundation creates space for creative thinking

Science needs creativity - but there is seldom room for it in day-to-day research. The Volkswagen Foundation wants to change this with its new "Night Science" funding programme. In our interview, programme directors Franziska Rönicke and Victoria Abakumovski explain why and how unconventional thinking is supported. Online Q&A: 15 and 24 April, deadline: 5 June 2025

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Funding offer 05. March 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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