Podium mit several people
News Apr. 04, 2023

African scientists create "Knowledge for Tomorrow"

The Volkswagen Foundation launched its research commitment in Africa 20 years ago. Now, the Foundation is inviting its fellows to Naivasha, Kenya, for a future-oriented dialogue.

Several persons in discussion
News Mar. 29, 2023

Supporting Science in Sub-Saharan Africa: On the satisfaction derived from developing solutions

Not only crises caused by political upheavals or famines continue to wreak havoc on societies and communities on the African continent. Gilbert Fokou, a social anthropologist from Cameroon, sees himself as a bridging interface between the people and decision-makers in politics. He is driven by a strong determination to help the very poor. 

large group of people on stairs in front of a white representative building
Interview Mar. 09, 2023

Supporting Science in Sub-Saharan Africa: Knowledge for Tomorrow with Multiplier Effect

The Foundation supported research in sub-Saharan Africa through the funding of fellowships and cooperation projects. In this interview, two of the German coordinators describe their experiences. 

Illustration mit Mann, der mit der Lupe ein Globus-Modell untersucht
News Dec. 19, 2022

Earth system science as a new leading concept for the geosciences

At a Leopoldina symposium held on December 19, 2022, the Secretary General of the Volkswagen Foundation Dr. Georg Schütte presented a new funding initiative. Fifty years after publication of the "Limits to Growth" report, the foundation creates a renewed geo-scientific focus on the Earth system as a whole. 

News Oct. 18, 2022

Tbilisi: International Doctoral School successfully established

The foundation provided around 800,000 euros for the substantial and sustainable improvement of PhD training in Georgia. Ilia State University and the Rustaveli Foundation also participated in the financing of the pilot program.

Farbverlauf von hellgrün zu hellblau
Publication of the Foundation Jun. 21, 2022

Status 2021 - The Volkswagen Foundation in figures

In 2021, the Volkswagen Foundation approved EUR 238.8 million for scientific projects. The most important figures, data and facts from our 2021 annual report.