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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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

12 Feb 2026, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Gutes und Böses Denken von Leibniz bis heute

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  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Science Movie Night

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

Ressource oder Risiko? Permafrostböden im Wandel

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Das Bild zeigt das Titelbild vom Film "Auf dünnem Eis".

Newsroom

Danke in vielen verschiedenen Sprachen
News 08 January 2026

Many thanks to our supporters!

The work of the Volkswagen Foundation would not be possible without the help of experts from all over the world. They support us, for example, in generating ideas, developing new funding programs and, last but not least, in reviewing funding applications.

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Illustration mit einem Gewichtheber im Anzug, der Bücher stemmt
Funding Offer 06 January 2026

Opus Magnum

The Opus Magnum funding initiative offers outstanding professors from the humanities and social sciences the opportunity to write a larger scientific work, relieved by a teaching substitution. Deadline: 18 November, 2026

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