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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Umgeben von einer Gruppe Menschen macht ein Mann Notizen auf dem Laptop

Inken Dworak-Schultz

Story

Pharmacy from the Rainforest: Remedies for the Mind

To the Article on Ethnopharmacologist Fabien Schultz

Events

  • Expert meeting
  • Herrenhausen Conference

Tue, 16 Feb 2027, 10:00 a.m. to Thu, 18 Feb 2027, 4:00 p.m.

Rethinking Neurodegeneration - Challenging established paradigms and exploring new paths

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Newsroom

Tastatur, Kopfhörer, Block, Stift und Kaffeetasse
Event 21 September 2026

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 7 October 2026, 2 p.m..

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Fünf Personen sitzen auf einer Bühne auf Stühlen und sprechen miteinander.
Event Video 27 July 2026

The Future of Postdocs in the German Research Ecosystem

Experts discussed the perspectives of postdoctoral researchers and the reforms needed at a public panel discussion in Hanover on August 26.

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