Why does neurodegeneration research need new impetus - and how can interdisciplinarity help to achieve a breakthrough? Our Program Directors Dr Theresa Kratzsch and Dr Franziska Rönicke explain the vision behind the new 'NEXT – Rethink Neurodegeneration!' call.

Interdisciplinary research teams investigating the fundamental mechanisms of dementia-causing neurodegeneration are invited to apply up until 28 August 2025.

How do democracies change in the face of global challenges? And what can science contribute to their resilience? Researchers and stakeholders outside of academia are to develop answers in cooperation projects funded by the Volkswagen Foundation for up to five years. Nora Kottmann and Cora Schaffert-Ziegenbalg present the programme.

Funding is provided for strategic concepts at universities in conjunction with the relevant ministries, within which new approaches are tested that previously could not be implemented due to legal or bureaucratic regulations. Online Q&As on 24 April, 21 May and 17 June, deadline: 30 September 2025

Sustainability and a resource-efficient design of research processes are important issues for the foundation. It therefore provides its funding recipients with funds to have their laboratories certified as sustainable through respective certification programs.

Apply now with your symposium: The causes, consequences and challenges of strained financial, material and human resources on society and economy are in the focus of the theme week from 15 to 17 April 2026. Deadline: 02 September 2025