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
  • Symposium

01 Dec 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 03 Dec 2025, 02:00 p.m.

Transformational Knowledge about Democracies in Transition - Project Presentation Cooperation Projects

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Four people hold up signs in front of a yellow background. You can see a hand throwing a piece of paper into a ballot box.
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

08 Dec 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 09 Dec 2025, 03:00 p.m.

Forum Zirkularität.Ideen

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Zu sehen ist eine Illustration zum Thema Zirkularität.

Newsroom

Personen sitzen an einem Tisch
In Brief 25 November 2025

Academic freedom under pressure

At the Falling Walls Science Summit 2025, leading representatives of the scientific community discussed threats to academic freedom – and how research institutions can strengthen their resilience.

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Eine Frau steht vor einem großen Plakat mit der Aufschrift "Falling Walls Science Summit"
Interview 11 November 2025

Breaking the Wall: Healthy aging in women

Ângela Gonçalves is this year's winner of the Women's Impact Award and Science Breakthrough of the Year. Her research is revolutionising our understanding of women's health and ageing. The Volkswagen Foundation supports the Women's Impact Award together with ‘Falling Walls Female Science Talents’ and the Elsevier Foundation.

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