Photo from inside a greenhouse
Story Aug. 22, 2023

A protected space for creative and surprising thoughts

What makes a life with science so special, and what framework conditions must be in place to make it possible for universities as our high-performance academic institutions to offer opportunities and fulfillment? A conversation between Enrico Schleiff, President of Goethe University Frankfurt, and the Secretary General of the Volkswagen Foundation, Georg Schütte – moderated by Christine Prußky.

Demonstrators with "thumbs up" and "thumbs down" signs
Interview Jul. 20, 2023

New funding offer: Democracies under change

In a two-part funding offer, the Foundation is looking for transdisciplinary project teams to draw up recommendations on how democracies must develop in order to master the multiplicity of societal challenges. Application deadline for 'task forces': Sept. 19, 2023

Gradient from light green to light blue
News Jul. 04, 2023

status 2022 – Annual report of the Volkswagen Foundation

In 2022, the Volkswagen Foundation approved EUR 331,9 million for scientific projects. Figures, data and facts from our 2022 annual report.

several wooden cubes with symbols, including a light bulb and a doctor's hat, a cube with the inscription "Fördermittel" (funding)
Interview Jul. 03, 2023

Incentive bonus of 10,000 euros for reviewers

Until June 30, 2024, researchers who participate in peer reviews for the Volkswagen Foundation can receive 10,000 euros in additional funding. Henrike Hartmann and Selahattin Danisman explain the unusual experiment.

A Person showing a picture of a burning house on the smartphone
News Jun. 20, 2023

Support for Ukraine: Preparing for peacetime

Following its initial emergency assistance for Ukrainian researchers who have sought refuge in Germany, the Volkswagen Foundation is now offering support to those who remained in their home country – or want to return there – with two new projects.

Portrait of a man in front of a picture
Interview Jun. 01, 2023

Does Alzheimer's research need to change course?

There is still no cure in sight for Alzheimer's disease. According to Christian Behl, this is partly because research has been following a single lead for the past 30 years – and ignoring others in the process. The biochemist explained his criticism of Alzheimer's research in a conversation with Catherine Newmark that took place in Hanover on 9 June 2023.