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.

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We support

Bücherstapel

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 mit Kompass

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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Mann mit Erlenmeyerkolben, darin grüner Inhalt

Thekla Ehling für VolkswagenStiftung

Is it possible to transfer artificial photosynthesis from the test tube into the cell?

More on Tobias Erb's story: "Artificial Photosynthesis: The decisive step forward "

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Gespräch
  • With live stream

Apr. 13, 2023, 07:00 PM - Apr. 13, 2023, 09:00 PM

Im Metaversum - über "echtes" Leben in einer virtuellen Welt

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Künstliche Stadtlandschaft mit Fesselballon im Hintergrund
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra
  • With live stream

Apr. 20, 2023, 07:00 PM - Apr. 20, 2023, 09:00 PM

Vom Bellen toter Hunde - Sind Heinrich Böll und Günter Grass bedeutungslos geworden?

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Portraitfotos von Günter Grass und Heinrich Böll vor einem Bücherhintergrund
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

May 10, 2023, 07:00 PM - May 10, 2023, 09:00 PM

Alles nur geklaut? Kulturelle Aneignung

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Newsroom

Woman in front of a shelf with records
Story

Supporting Science in Sub-Saharan Africa: Saving people and sounds from being forgotten

Lizabé Lambrechts researches South African popular music from the apartheid era 

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large group of people on stairs in front of a white representative building
Interview

Supporting Science in Sub-Saharan Africa: Knowledge for Tomorrow with Multiplier Effect

The Foundation supported research in sub-Saharan Africa through the funding of fellowships and cooperation projects. In this interview, two of the German coordinators describe their experiences. gen. 

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