Newsroom

Frau im Portrait, dahinter Illustration mit MIkrofon
Interview 02 December 2024

Researching Research: "There is still considerable potential!"

The "Researching Research" funding initiative strengthens interdisciplinarity and internationalisation in the field – and is also intended to generate policy recommendations for policy-makers. An interview with the programme manager Johanna Brumberg.

Portrait eines Mannes
In Brief 20 November 2024

Developmental psychology: On the trail of everyday life

Manuel Bohn researches how children’s everyday lives become the key to grasping psychological and cognitive development. To do this, he uses innovative methods, artificial intelligence, and an international perspective. 

Eine Gruppe Erwachsener vor einem imposanten Garten
Event Report 19 November 2024

Focus on Europe: Challenges and potentials

The European idea is noticeably crumbling. Researchers funded by the Volkswagen Foundation met at the status symposium 'Challenges and potentials for Europe' to exchange views on the results of their research on the topic.  One conclusion: fortunately, joint European research on Europe is not crumbling!  

Bunte Streifen auf schwarzem Hintergrund
Interview 14 November 2024

New perspective on neurodegenerative diseases

Biophysicist Janna Nawroth wants to find out how cilia in our brain ventricles influence the development of neuronal diseases and certain neurological conditions such as sleep. A "pioneer project".

Blick in den unterirdischen Tagungssaal von Schloss Herrenhausen
In Brief 13 November 2024

Call for papers: Conference "Universities and the Public Good"

From September 10 to 12, 2025, the conference "Universities and the Public Good: Research, Education, and Democracy since 1945" will take place at Herrenhausen Palace, Hanover. The call for papers is aimed at established academics (general workshop) and young academics (Young Scholars Forum). Deadline: January 19, 2025

Foto mit zwei Frauen, darüber der Text "Falling Walls Science Summit, 7-9 Nov 2024, Berlin
In Brief 07 November 2024

Falling Walls Science Summit - Livestream

The Falling Walls Science Summit will take place from November 7 to 9 in Berlin. The Volkswagen Foundation is organising events on topics including artificial intelligence and the US election 2024, which are accessable via livestream.

Stories

Foto einer einzelnen Manganknolle
Story 15 July 2026

Manganese Nodules and Microorganisms: Life Fuelled by Radioactivity?

Radioactivity is generally considered harmful to life. Yet in manganese nodules in the deep sea, microorganisms might benefit from it. Or even live off it? This is the intriguing hypothesis that geoscientist Walter Geibert hopes to prove.

Illustration, die eine Person mit EEG-Haube zeigt, die auf dem Kopf steht.
Story 08 July 2026

Basic Research: Exploring the unknown

What happens in the brain when we are confronted with completely unknown things and situations? At TU Dresden, Christian Beste is researching what is known as the "unknown unknown". To do so, he is turning science on its head.

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