As a private research funding organization, we support researchers with creative ideas aimed at changing the world of science – something we have been doing for more than 60 years now. Our mission: We endow knowledge.

Visit our funding portfolio Who we are

We provide support in four profile areas

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Understanding Research

Critically exploring and reflecting on the research system with a view to initiating positive change on areas such as career paths, governance, research and teaching.

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Societal Transformations

Expanding knowledge about processes of transformation and developing possible courses of action together with stakeholders in civil society.

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Exploration

Breaking into previously unexplored research territory with unconventional ideas and experimental approaches.

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Schachfigur "Pferd"

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Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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How do we bring society around the table with AI research?

About Anika Kaiser and her research for a better dialogue between citizens and science

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra

23 Aug 2025, 04:00 p.m. - 05:00 p.m.

Von Kutschen und König:innen - Vier königliche Prunk-Karossen aus dem Haus Hannover in Herrenhausen

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Gemälde auf der Seitentür des Staatswagens des Prince of Wales Georg (IV.) : die Geburt der Britannia als Geschöpf des Meeres
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra

23 Aug 2025, 06:00 p.m. - 07:00 p.m.

Von Zitrusfrüchten und exotischen Pflanzen – Geschichte und Neugestaltung des Orangenparterres in Herrenhausen

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Zitrusbaum mit Früchten vor dem Galeriegebäude in Hannover-Herrenhausen

Newsroom

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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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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