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
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
  • Workshop

10 Feb 2026, 10:30 a.m. - 11 Feb 2026, 03:00 p.m.

Kick-off Symposium “NEXT – Quantum Biology”

Learn more
Collage: Katze mit Sonnenbrille in einer Atomkarten-Schachtel, daneben VR-Brille, abstrakte Zeichnungen im Hintergrund.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum

12 Feb 2026, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Gutes und Böses Denken von Leibniz bis heute

Learn more
Schwarzweißbild einer Figur, die an einer Kreuzung dreier Wege steht

Newsroom

Women with a world map and chess figures
Funding Offer 15 January 2026

New funding initiative: Calling for Europe's security experts of the future

We are looking for the security experts of the future: The call is aimed at young postdoctoral researchers who do research on the nexus of security and technology with a distinct European perspective. Online Q&A: 12 February and 9 April, application deadline: 05 May 2026.

Read article
Danke in vielen verschiedenen Sprachen
News 08 January 2026

Many thanks to our supporters!

The work of the Volkswagen Foundation would not be possible without the help of experts from all over the world. They support us, for example, in generating ideas, developing new funding programs and, last but not least, in reviewing funding applications.

Read article