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
  • Herrenhausen Conference

Wed, 25 Feb 2026, 10:15 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Preventive Health Care: From Research to Action

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt ein Holzpuzzle mit verschiedenen symbolhaft dargestellten Präventionsmaßnahmen.
  • Expert meeting
  • Hochschulpolitisches Werkstattgespräch

Fri, 27 Feb 2026, 1:00 p.m. to Sat, 28 Feb 2026, 2:00 p.m.

Sicherheits- und Verteidigungsforschung - Zeitwende an deutschen Hochschulen

Learn more
Wegweiser Universität vor blauem Himmel

Newsroom

Logo zukunft.niedersachsen
Funding Offer 19 February 2026

zukunft.niedersachsen: Boost Research! Seed Grants for Lower Saxony

This funding programme offers researchers the opportunity to receive seed funding for novel collaborative projects. The aim is to use the funding to enable the acquisition of additional third-party funding. 

Website zukunft.niedersachsen.de
Illustration with a woman in a hard hat and a building plan in front of an advertising pillar
Funding Offer 16 February 2026

Change! Fellowships

With the new funding program, the Volkswagen Foundation supports scientists who conduct research on transformation processes and, with the help of their network, put their knowledge into practice. Next deadline for Fellowships: 16 Apr. 2026, Online Q&A: 25 Feb. 2026

Read article