New 'Change!' Projects Use Research to Shape Change
How can our society become sustainable? The Volkswagen Foundation is funding eight new research projects with a total of €14.4 million. They are approaching this question from different angles – together with partners from the field. Topics include among others smart technologies in urban areas and the use of AI in urban development.
'The Question of Social Impact Challenges Science'
Every day, Katrin Kinzelbach and Lars Lott could stand in a lecture hall explaining the Academic Freedom Index. Demand is high. So is the burden on the researchers. How can a balance be struck between science and impact?
Call for Contributions: Living Handbook of Science Communication and Science Studies
The "Living Handbook of Science Communication and Science Studies" is a freely accessible online platform that provides information about the science system and communication between research and society.
Ângela Gonçalves is this year's winner of the Women's Impact Award and Science Breakthrough of the Year. Her research is revolutionising our understanding of women's health and ageing. The Volkswagen Foundation supports the Women's Impact Award together with ‘Falling Walls Female Science Talents’ and the Elsevier Foundation.
'Basic Research is Part of the DNA of Our Funding Activities.'
Why and how is the Volkswagen Foundation committed to basic research? A conversation with Henrike Hartmann, Head of Funding, and Hanna Denecke, Head of the Exploration Team.
Register now for the free livestream: Falling Walls will take place in Berlin from 6 to 9 November 2025. Here is an overview of all live-streamed events in which the foundation is involved.
Wolfram Pernice is researching how computers based on neural networks could in future compute even faster and more efficiently – using light instead of electronics. And real nerves instead of optical fibres.
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.
