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Das Bild zeigt einen Hörsaal mit Studierenden in den Reihen und einem Dozenten am Pult
Event Video 11 September 2025

Multiple transformations and current crisis: Higher education in the U.S. and Europe

Mitchell G. Ash (Vienna) spoke about the transformation of research and universities since the Second World War and the possible fundamental impact of the current US politics on global academia on September 11th, 2025 in Hanover. See his lecture here.

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Tastatur, Kopfhörer, Block, Stift und Kaffeetasse
Event 06 September 2025

Live-Webinar on our funding portfolio

Twice a year - at the beginning of each semester in April and October - the Volkswagen Foundation offers a free, one-hour live webinar in English on the funding portfolio. The next webinar is scheduled for 9 April 2026.

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mehrere Lupen vor hellblauem Hintergrund
News 28 August 2025

Distributed Peer Review (DPR): Study shows potential for faster and more democratic review

A new RoRI study on the use of distributed peer review (DPR) at the Volkswagen Foundation shows how the review process can speed up funding decisions and make them more democratic.

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Illustration mit einem niesenden Menschen, verschiedenen Transportmitteln (Flugzeug, Zug, LKW), Mücken und Bakterien
In Brief 12 August 2025

Mobility and health: how are they connected?

What can be done to combat the shortage of skilled workers in the medical sector? How can drug resistance be curbed? And what might the healthcare systems of the future look like? These are just some of the questions being addressed by five newly funded research projects.

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zwei Personen mit Lupen betrachten ein Gebäude mit Aufschrift "Scientia"
In Brief 05 August 2025

Science and politics in conflict: new research projects receive funding

Five new collaborative projects will focus on how science develops in a world shaped by political demands, global networking and digital challenges. The Volkswagen Foundation is providing around €4.9 million in funding for these projects as part of its 'Researching Research' initiative.

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Ukrainische Flagge
In Brief 04 August 2025

A new beginning for the Ukrainian pharmaceutical industry

Ukraine faces the challenge of rebuilding its economy. A new research project is investigating how its industrial heritage can be effectively leveraged to modernise the pharmaceutical industry and integrate it into the European market.

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Democracy and Science
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Global Engagement
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Transdisciplinariy
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Stories

Portrait einer Frau in einem weitläufigen Flur
Story 08 October 2025

Christina Roggatz: Science that makes waves

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.

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Portrait eines Mannes
Story 09 July 2025

How does working with AI impact on research?

As a tool of science, artificial intelligence entails numerous risks, opportunities, and ambivalences. These need to be identified and classified. However, there is no revolution in sight, according to Jens Schröter.

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