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.

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We support

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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humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

Societal Transformations

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

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Hand mit Kompass

Exploration

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

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Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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Mann mit Erlenmeyerkolben, darin grüner Inhalt

Thekla Ehling für VolkswagenStiftung

Is it possible to transfer artificial photosynthesis from the test tube into the cell?

More on Tobias Erb's story: "Artificial Photosynthesis: The decisive step forward "

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

Jun. 20, 2023, 07:00 PM - Jun. 20, 2023, 08:30 PM

Welt im Krisenmodus? Wie systemische Risiken unser vernetztes Leben beeinflussen

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Ausschnitt der Weltkugel mit Vernetzungslinien
  • Expert meeting
  • Workshop

Jun. 21, 2023, 02:00 PM - Jun. 21, 2023, 03:30 PM

Netzwerkveranstaltung Erdsystemwissenschaften

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Mann mit Laborbrille und Lupe blickt auf ein Modell der Erde
  • Expert meeting
  • Herrenhausen Conference

Jun. 21, 2023, 10:00 AM - Jun. 23, 2023, 03:00 PM

Climate Related Systemic Risks: Lessons Learned from Covid-19

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Eine in der Mitte geteilte Weltkugel. Eine Hälfte zeigt eine ausgetrocknete Erde mit ein paar restlichen Bäumen, die andere Hälfte ist die Darstellung des Corona Virus.

Newsroom

Funding offer

"Earth System Sciences" - funding offer and online networking event

#Sustainability

Universities in Germany with a geoscience focus can apply for one to two junior tenure-track professorships. Deadline is Nov. 15, 2023. An online networking event on the research field is scheduled for June 21, 2023.

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Funding offer

Transformational Knowledge on Democracies under Change – Transdisciplinary Perspectives

You would like to submit an application under the new funding initiative "Transformation of Democracy"? A workshop from June 26 to 28, 2023 in Hannover offers space for networking and developing initial ideas for joint transdisciplinary research. Application deadline is May 12, 2023.

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