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News 13 September 2017

European Foundations Unite to Tackle Global Challenges

Three of Europe's biggest philanthropic foundations have joined together to award 5 million euros to tackle some of the most pressing global challenges of our time: Wellcome Trust, Riksbankens Jubileumsfond and Volkswagen Foundation have funded six research groups from across Europe to drive action through cross-border collaboration.

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News 19 June 2017

Global Challenges in Focus: European Foundations Generate Incentives for International Research

Climate, migration, global health – the funding initiative "Europe and Global Challenges" supported jointly by Volkswagen Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and Riksbankens Jubileumsfond grants a total amount of 5 million euro for cross-border interdisciplinary projects in the humanities and social sciences.
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Graphic representation of a head in front of a wall of ones and zeros.
Event Report 31 May 2017

Herrenhausen Conference "Society Through the Lens of the Digital"

Experts discussed how the humanities and social sciences deal with the social challenges of digitization at the Herrenhausen Conference in Hanover which took place from May 31 till June 2, 2017.

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Blaumeise auf einem Ast
News 15 May 2017

Study on blue tits: Smell first, and then beg

Nestling blue tits can discriminate between the smell of other nestlings and adapt their begging behaviour accordingly. This is the outcome of the latest study by Freigeist-Fellow Dr. Barbara Caspers and Dr. Peter Korsten from Bielefeld University.

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Historical photograph of men standing by a cannon located in a trench.
Event Report 08 May 2017

Herrenhausen Symposium "The Long End of the First World War: Ruptures, Continuities and Memories"

The Herrenhausen Symposium "The Long End of the First World War: Ruptures, Continuities and Memories" questioned the idea of a static and clearly defined "end" of the War.

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News 21 March 2017

UNLEASH Innovation Lab 2017: Volkswagen Foundation Supports Junior Scientists

Apply now: From August 13 to 21, 2017, the UNLEASH initiative brings together young talents from science, technology and business who are working on topics related to the SDGs of the United Nations. The Volkswagen Foundation is a partner of the initiative and supports young researchers who are funded by the Foundation.

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Stories

Portrait einer Frau in einem weitläufigen Flur
Story 08 October 2025

Christina Roggatz: Science that makes waves

Marine scientist Dr Christina Roggatz from the University of Bremen is leading her own team for the first time – and through her work wants to arrive at a better understanding of climate change. Here she gives us an insight into her everyday life as leader of a junior research group.

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Portrait eines Mannes
Story 09 July 2025

How does working with AI impact on research?

As a tool of science, artificial intelligence entails numerous risks, opportunities, and ambivalences. These need to be identified and classified. However, there is no revolution in sight, according to Jens Schröter.

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