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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Inken Dworak-Schultz

Story

Pharmacy from the Rainforest: Remedies for the Mind

To the Article on Ethnopharmacologist Fabien Schultz

Events

  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Wed, 26 Aug 2026, 1:00 p.m. to Fri, 28 Aug 2026, 1:00 p.m.

Postdocs and the Research Ecosystem: Shaping Sustainable Career Paths (Theme Week)

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Newsroom

Illustration: A girl is holding a banknote and is being hugged by two adults; in the background, bundles of banknotes are flying through the air
Funding Offer 16 July 2026

Perspectives on Wealth – Ideas Competition for Knowledge Transfer

Through its "Perspectives on Wealth" funding initiative, the Foundation is supporting 15 collaborative projects on various topics, including start-up ecosystems, agricultural elites in the Global South, and the link between wealth and social cohesion. Successful project teams can now apply for additional funding to adapt their findings for use in teaching and science communication. Deadline for submissions: 14 September 2026

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Foto einer einzelnen Manganknolle
Story 15 July 2026

Manganese Nodules and Microorganisms: Life Fuelled by Radioactivity?

Radioactivity is generally considered harmful to life. Yet in manganese nodules in the deep sea, microorganisms might benefit from it. Or even live off it? This is the intriguing hypothesis that geoscientist Walter Geibert hopes to prove.

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