Coastal cities around the world are at risk of sinking as a result of rising sea levels in the wake of global warming. Urban researcher Hilke Marit Berger asks herself how this can be dealt with, not just technically, but above all socially and emotionally – and searches the past for answers for the future.

How do taboos emerge in science? What exactly is considered taboo in different fields? And how can these taboos be dismantled? These are some of the questions that will be addressed during the theme week from September 17–19, 2025 in Hannover. Apply now for a scientific symposium, deadline: February 11, 2025.

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

The funding initiative aims at exploring new research spaces in the humanities and cultural sciences. Online Q&As on Feb. 21 (German) and Feb. 28 (English), 2025, 10 AM (no registration necessary).  Application deadline: April 3, 2025

Our new user-optimised funding platform is now available! You can use it to submit applications and access all important information and documents related to our funding initiatives.

The work of the Volkswagen Foundation would not be possible without the help of researchers from all over the world. They support us, for example, in generating ideas, developing new funding programs and, last but not least, in reviewing funding applications.