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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Portrait einer Frau

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How do we bring society around the table with AI research?

About Anika Kaiser and her research for a better dialogue between citizens and science

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Late
  • With live stream

14 Oct 2025, 08:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Gerechtigkeit vs. Empathie? Ein neuer Blick auf ein demokratisches Strafrecht

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Das Bild zeigt die Referentin Prof. Dr. Susanne Beck mit einer Zeitung lesend und im Seesel sitzend.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Science Movie Night

17 Oct 2025, 06:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Wald im Wandel – wild und klimaresistent?

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Das Bild zeigt atmosphärisch einfallende Lichtstrahlen im Wald.

Newsroom

Illustration mit Mann mit Schutzhelm vor einer Brückenbaustelle, an der zwei unterschiedliche Brücken, eine mit US und eine mit deutscher Fahne, aufeinandertreffen
In Brief 13 October 2025

New Bridge Professorships for Transatlantic Research

With its new funding initiative "Transatlantic Bridge Professorships", the Foundation aims to strengthen connections between renowned scholars from the United States and research institutions in Germany. The programme focuses on key topics such as democracy, fundamental rights, and academic freedom.

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Tastatur, Kopfhörer, Block, Stift und Kaffeetasse
Event 06 October 2025

Live-Webinar on our funding portfolio

Twice a year - at the beginning of each semester in April and October - the Volkswagen Foundation offers a free, one-hour live webinar in English on the funding portfolio. The next webinar is scheduled for 9 April 2026.

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