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

Pile of books

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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Societal Transformations

Expanding knowledge about processes of transformation and developing possible courses of action together with stakeholders in civil society.

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Exploration

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

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Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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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

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

06 Nov 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Tendenziell hormonell – Die große Macht der kleinen Botenstoffe

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Zu sehen ist ein Hormonnetz. Das Bild ist mit Hilfe von KI generiert.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Science Movie Night

14 Nov 2025, 06:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Verführt durch die Krise: Science Movie Night mit "Je suis Karl"

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Das Bild zeigt das Kinoplakat mit der Hauptdarstellerin und dem Hauptdarsteller im Portrait.

Newsroom

Frau hält eine rote Karte mit der Aufschrift "Which are the next walls to fall?"
In Brief 29 October 2025

The Volkswagen Foundation at Falling Walls 2025

Register now for the free livestream: Falling Walls will take place in Berlin from 6 to 9 November 2025. Here is an overview of all live-streamed events in which the foundation is involved.

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Illustration with people sitting around an oversized compass
Funding Offer 20 October 2025

Apply now: Scoping Workshops

This is about the future of your research area: What is the current status? What prospects are there for further development - and how can they be realised? With the "Scoping Workshops" the foundation offers space for discussion and intensive exchange. Online Q&A (in German) on 12 February 2026, deadline: 17 March 2026.

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