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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Portrait eines Mannes

ehrenwerk.tv für VolkswagenStiftung

Story

Brain meets chip: hybrid computers made of nerves and fibre optics

Read the article featuring a video profile of experimental physicist Wolfram Pernice

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Late
  • With live stream

Wed, 8 Apr 2026, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Stromhungrige KI: Nachhaltige Wege zu mehr Künstlicher Intelligenz

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  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Tue, 21 Apr 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

3. Niedersächsischer Innovationsdialog: Future Made in Niedersachsen – Technologien für eine gesicherte Zukunft

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Newsroom

Frau mit Laptop in einem Heißluftballon, der durch Ventilatoren zusätzlichen Auftrieb erhält
In Brief 31 March 2026

Momentum: €11.3 million for fresh ideas in the professorship

Through its "Momentum" funding programme, the Foundation creates space for new ideas within the professorship. It supports initiatives that enable professors to further develop their research and teaching and to establish new areas of focus. Current projects include biodegradable plastics, AI-supported learning in schools, and the question of how public authorities can remain effective during crises.

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Illu mit zwei Personen, im Hintergrund ein Mikrofon
Interview 30 March 2026

Opportunities for high-risk research: New call for "Pioneering Projects – Exploring the Unknown Unknown"

Through this funding programme, the Volkswagen Foundation supports radical, unconventional research ideas that lie outside the mainstream. In 2026, the Distributed Peer Review (DPR) process will be used for the first time. Pavel Dutow and Theresa Kratzsch explain the process and offer tips on the application process. Deadline: 27 August; Online Q&A: 11 June and 16 July

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