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

  • 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
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Science Movie Night

Fri, 13 Feb 2026, 06:00 p.m. to 08:30 p.m.

Ressource oder Risiko? Permafrostböden im Wandel

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Das Bild zeigt das Titelbild des Films "Auf dünnem Eis".

Newsroom

Tastatur, Kopfhörer, Block, Stift und Kaffeetasse
Event 11 February 2026

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 9 April 2026.

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Illustration with people sitting around an oversized compass
Funding Offer 10 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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