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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Portrait eines Mannes

ehrenwerk.tv für VolkswagenStiftung

Story

Brain meets chip: hybrid computers made of nerves and fibre optics

Read the article featuring a video profile of experimental physicist Wolfram Pernice

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”

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  • 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

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Newsroom

Illustration with a man against a green background, spreading his arms in welcome
Funding Offer 18 May 2026

Transatlantic Bridge Professorships

The programme is aimed at professors at US universities who are conducting research on the future of democracy, fundamental rights and academic freedom, or the future of transatlantic relations and who would like to work simultaneously in both the USA and Germany for a period of three years. Applications can be submitted at any time, Online Q&A session for host institutions on 25 June (registration required)

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Illustration mit zwei Personen, die sich hinter einem Aktenstapel abklatschen, darüber fliegt eine Rakete, auf der eine Schnecke sitzt
Funding Offer 11 May 2026

Strategic Experimental Spaces – University Development Requires Flexibility

Funding is provided for strategic concepts at universities in conjunction with the relevant ministries, within which new approaches are tested that previously could not be implemented due to legal or bureaucratic regulations. Next deadline: 10 September 2026; online Q&As on 20 May an 2 July

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