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
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

16 Sep 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Zwischen Krieg und Frieden – Wege zu einer neuen Sicherheitsarchitektur Europas

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  • Expert meeting
  • Hochschulpolitisches Werkstattgespräch

26 Sep 2025, 01:00 p.m. - 27 Sep 2025, 03:00 p.m.

Attraktivität von Forschung und Lehre: Struktureller Reformbedarf in fordernden Zeiten

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Newsroom

Tastatur, Kopfhörer, Block, Stift und Kaffeetasse
Event 15 September 2025

Live-Webinar on our funding portfolio

Twice a year - at the beginning of each semester in April and October - the Volkswagen Foundation offers a free, one-hour live webinar in English on the funding portfolio. The next webinar is scheduled for October 7, 2025, 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

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Das Bild zeigt einen Hörsaal mit Studierenden in den Reihen und einem Dozenten am Pult
Event 11 September 2025

Multiple transformations and current crisis: Higher education in the U.S. and Europe

Mitchell G. Ash (Vienna) will speak about the transformation of research and universities since the Second World War and the possible fundamental impact of the current US politics on global academia on September 11th, 2025 in Hanover.

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