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.

Learn more
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.

Learn more
Kompass

Exploration

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

Learn more
hölzerner Schach-Springer (Pferd)

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

Learn more
Umgeben von einer Gruppe Menschen macht ein Mann Notizen auf dem Laptop

Inken Dworak-Schultz

Story

Pharmacy from the Rainforest: Remedies for the Mind

To the Article on Ethnopharmacologist Fabien Schultz

Events

  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Thu, 11 Jun 2026, 9:30 a.m. to Fri, 12 Jun 2026, 4:30 p.m.

Status symposium “Towards Circularity 2026”

Learn more
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Tue, 16 Jun 2026, 9:00 a.m. to Thu, 18 Jun 2026, 6:00 p.m.

Viral Pathogenesis and Immunity: From Molecular Discoveries to Therapeutics

Learn more

Newsroom

Illustration with two people pointing into the sky, and a teleskope
Funding Offer 01 June 2026

Pioneering Research – Exploring the Unknown Unknown

With the programme "Pioneering Research – Exploring the Unknown Unknown", the Foundation supports groundbreaking and risky research ideas with high scientific relevance. Online Q&As: 11 June and 16 July, deadline for short proposals: 27 August 2026

Read article
Mehrere Personen sitzen zusammen, eine Frau erzählt etwas, ein Mann tippt dabei an einem Laptop. Im Hintergrund sind Bananenpflanzen und ein Dschungel-Wald zu sehen.
Story 27 May 2026

A Pharmacy From the Rainforest: Remedies for the Mind

Fabien Schultz is searching for natural materials that can be used to treat mental health conditions. To this end, he is working with indigenous communities in Uganda and Tanzania – and with monkeys.

Read article
Mastodon