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

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.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

09 Dec 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 08:30 p.m.

In der digitalen Zwickmühle: Haben wir ein Recht auf ein analoges Leben?

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Das Bild zeigt eine Hand mit Stift, die ein Formular ausfüllt. Auf dem Formular liegt seitlich auch ein Mobiltelefon.

Newsroom

mehrere Personen stehen um einen flachen Bildschirm, auf dem eine in verschiedenen Farben eingefärbte Weltkarte zu sehen ist, dahinter steht ein Banner mit der Aufschrift "Index der Wissenschaftsfreiheit"
Interview 08 December 2025

'The question of social impact challenges science'

Every day, Katrin Kinzelbach and Lars Lott could stand in a lecture hall explaining the Academic Freedom Index. Demand is high. So is the burden on the researchers. How can a balance be struck between science and impact? 

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Illustration with a man against a green background, spreading his arms in welcome
Funding Offer 08 December 2025

Transatlantic Bridge Professorships

The programme is aimed at professors at US universities who are conducting research on the future of democracy, fundamental rights and academic freedom, or the future of transatlantic relations and who would like to work simultaneously in both the USA and Germany for a period of three years. Online Q&A for host institutions in Germany on 9 December 2025

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