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

Pile of books

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.

Learn more
humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

Societal Transformations

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

Learn more
Hand with compass

Exploration

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

Learn more
Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

Learn more
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
  • With live stream

06 Nov 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Tendenziell hormonell – Die große Macht der kleinen Botenstoffe

Learn more
Zu sehen ist ein Hormonnetz. Das Bild ist mit Hilfe von KI generiert.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Science Movie Night

14 Nov 2025, 06:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Verführt durch die Krise: Science Movie Night mit "Je suis Karl"

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt das Kinoplakat mit der Hauptdarstellerin und dem Hauptdarsteller im Portrait.

Newsroom

Frau hält eine rote Karte mit der Aufschrift "Which are the next walls to fall?"
In Brief 29 October 2025

The Volkswagen Foundation at Falling Walls 2025

Register now for the free livestream: Falling Walls will take place in Berlin from 6 to 9 November 2025. Here is an overview of all live-streamed events in which the foundation is involved.

Read article
Illustration mit einer Frau vor einer Insel mit Leuchtturm
News 23 October 2025

Coasts under pressure – new strategies for coastal protection

Storm surges, rising sea levels, endangered coasts: as part of her Change! Fellowship, Dr Claudia Wolff from the University of Kiel is working with local stakeholders to find new ways of ensuring sustainable coastal protection on the Baltic Sea.

Read article