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Design researcher Dr. Judith Dörrenbächer from the University of Siegen aims to explore how ‘smart’ technologies in public spaces can foster not only efficiency but also humanity – namely in the form of patient, impartial mediators between people.

Through its "Perspectives on Wealth" funding initiative, the Foundation is supporting 15 collaborative projects on various topics, including start-up ecosystems, agricultural elites in the Global South, and the link between wealth and social cohesion. Successful project teams can now apply for additional funding to adapt their findings for use in teaching and science communication. Deadline for submissions: 14 September 2026

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.

The Volkswagen Foundation and the Hertie Foundation are each providing 1.25 million euros in support of the newly established Max Planck Centre for Democracy, Security and Human Rights. 

Populism, digital polarisation and declining trust in institutions are posing challenges to democracies worldwide. The Volkswagen Foundation is now supporting eleven new research projects that are working with partners from the field to develop solutions. Their research covers topics such as cyber violence, gender equality, Muslim family law and far-right interpretations of history, amongst others.

There are no effective medicines for many viral diseases. As a result, they can develop into a global threat. As part of the initiative "Innovative Approaches in Antiviral Drug Development", the Volkswagen Foundation is now funding four research groups that are investigating viruses which have been little studied to date and aim to develop new therapeutic strategies to combat them.