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

Bücherstapel

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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Androiden-Kopf mit technischen Geräten statt des Gehirns

Societal Transformations

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

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Kompass

Exploration

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

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hölzerner Schach-Springer (Pferd)

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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Frau steht in einem langen Flur

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

  • Expert meeting
  • Workshop

Tue, 10 Feb 2026, 10:30 a.m. to Wed, 11 Feb 2026, 03:00 p.m.

Kick-off Symposium “NEXT – Quantum Biology”

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Collage: Katze mit Sonnenbrille in einer Atomkarten-Schachtel, daneben VR-Brille, abstrakte Zeichnungen im Hintergrund.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum

Thu, 12 Feb 2026, 07:00 p.m. to 09:00 p.m.

Gutes und Böses Denken von Leibniz bis heute

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Schwarzweißbild einer Figur, die an einer Kreuzung dreier Wege steht

Newsroom

Illustration with people sitting around an oversized compass
Funding Offer 11 February 2026

Apply Now: Scoping Workshops

This is about the future of your research area: What is the current status? What prospects are there for further development - and how can they be realised? With the "Scoping Workshops" the foundation offers space for discussion and intensive exchange. Online Q&A (in German) on 12 February, deadline: 17 March 2026.

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Illustration of a woman with a laptop in a hot air balloon powered by fans
Funding Offer 09 February 2026

"Momentum" initiative provides funding for recently tenured professors

The Volkswagen Foundation supports professors three to five years after taking up their first tenured professorship at a university in Germany.  The next application deadline is 14 April 2026. You have questions about the funding programme? Then visit our online Q&A on 23 February (in English), 1:00–2:30 p.m.

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