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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zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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Universität Bremen/Matej Meza. Hintergrund mit KI (Photoshop) nach links erweitert

Science that makes waves: The important global role of bacteria in the sea

Read the article about marine scientist Dr Christina Roggatz

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Science Movie Night

14 Nov 2025, 06:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Verführt durch die Krise: Science Movie Night mit "Je suis Karl"

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  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra

15 Nov 2025, 07:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Finale des Debattierturniers im Xplanatorium Schloss Herrenhausen

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Newsroom

Frau hält eine rote Karte mit der Aufschrift "Which are the next walls to fall?"
In Brief 29 October 2025

The Volkswagen Foundation at Falling Walls 2025

Register now for the free livestream: Falling Walls will take place in Berlin from 6 to 9 November 2025. Here is an overview of all live-streamed events in which the foundation is involved.

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Illustration mit einer Frau vor einer Insel mit Leuchtturm
News 23 October 2025

Coasts under pressure – new strategies for coastal protection

Storm surges, rising sea levels, endangered coasts: as part of her Change! Fellowship, Dr Claudia Wolff from the University of Kiel is working with local stakeholders to find new ways of ensuring sustainable coastal protection on the Baltic Sea.

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