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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Portrait einer Frau

ehrenwerk.tv für VolkswagenStiftung

How do we bring society around the table with AI research?

About Anika Kaiser and her research for a better dialogue between citizens and science

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

01 Jul 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Den Krebs überleben – neue Hoffnung dank innovativer Therapieansätze

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Zu sehen ist eine Krebszelle im Fadenkreuz.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

12 Aug 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Tierisch tödlich – wie gefährlich sind Zoonosen?

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Zu sehen sind zwei Petrischalen mit Zellkulturen, die gegen das Licht gehalten werden.

Newsroom

Menschen, die miteinander diskutieren, im Vordergrund ein klassizistisches, helles Gebäude
In Brief 13 June 2025

Research meets politics and practice: Working together to combat loneliness

From 11 to 13 June 2025, around 150 participants from over 30 countries are meeting in Hanover for the first of two foundation-funded theme weeks on '(Tackling) Loneliness'. The event brings together leading international scientists, practitioners, political decision-makers and civil society actors to shed light on the socially highly relevant topics of loneliness and social isolation in their many facets.

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Illustration: Schneebedeckte Landschaft mit Personen, die aus den Tälern per Seil Materialien hervorholen wollen.
News 03 June 2025

How an AI transparency register can become a reality

To be made sustainably fit for the future, public administrations must undergo a challenging digital transformation. But the AI required for this also harbours risks. A research project is developing a roadmap to greater transparency – with the help of a register.

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