Newsroom

Illustration mit mehreren Personen in Diskussion, im Vordergrund ein klassizistisches Schloss
Funding Offer 18 June 2024

Theme Week '(Tackling) Loneliness' (completed)

Apply now with your symposium: The aim of the (Tackling) Loneliness theme week is to explore loneliness and social isolation from a holistic, interdisciplinary and intersectional perspective and to propose solutions for more togetherness. Deadline: October 29, 2024

Lottery drum on a blue background
News 30 May 2024

Everyone is equal in the lottery drum

Reaching funding decisions by drawing lots? Although that might sound a little dubious, it is not. This is proven by a scientifically monitored experiment carried out by the Volkswagen Foundation, which concludes that a partially randomized selection procedure following the scientific reviews brings more diversity into the pool of grantees. The researchers asked by the Foundation to monitor the procedure arrive at some interesting insights in their overall assessment.

A concrete-like wall can be seen, from which thin, interwoven strips of wood protrude at the top.
Story 29 May 2024

Mushrooms instead of concrete: innovative biomaterials enable sustainable construction

When we talk about cutting CO2, we usually think of green electricity or transforming transport. However, a less obvious area – the building sector – offers huge potential for savings. A Kassel University researcher wants to combine biomaterials with digital manufacturing technologies and make them available for architecture.

Illustration mit mehreren Menschen in Diskussion, im Vordergrund ein klassizistisches Schloss
Funding Offer 04 May 2024

Themed Week 'Digital Competences in Science' (completed)

Apply now with your symposium: With a themed week in December 2024, the Volkswagen Foundation would like to contribute to making ideas and initiatives on digital competences in science more visible and to promote interdisciplinary and supra-regional exchange. The themed week is primarily aimed at applicants from core facilities, science management, libraries, technical services and administration. Deadline: May 7, 2024

Mann und Frau diskutieren vor Wand mit Notizzetteln
Story 01 May 2024

Tracing the relationship between power and money

Political scientist Andrea Binder wants to be sure that her research findings will stand up to a reality check – and attaches importance to having her conclusions heeded. To this end, she participates in intensive dialog with stakeholders.

Woman stands in a modern industrial hall and observes a machine
In Brief 30 April 2024

Solar technology: From Hamelin to the world

Physicist Bianca Lim is responsible for strategic planning at the Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin, keeping research "at the cutting edge". She wants to help bring the production of solar modules back to Germany.

Stories

Satellitenansicht der Innertropischen Konvergenzzone
Story 09 June 2026

Climate Research Using Old Ship’s Logs: the Wind Leaves no Trace on the Sea

Did a volcanic eruption in 1783 shift the tropical rain belt? Old ship’s logs could provide the answer – and also shed light on the future climate for millions of people living around the equator.

Mehrere Personen sitzen zusammen, eine Frau erzählt etwas, ein Mann tippt dabei an einem Laptop. Im Hintergrund sind Bananenpflanzen und ein Dschungel-Wald zu sehen.
Story 27 May 2026

A Pharmacy From the Rainforest: Remedies for the Mind

Fabien Schultz is searching for natural materials that can be used to treat mental health conditions. To this end, he is working with indigenous communities in Uganda and Tanzania – and with monkeys.

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