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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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

  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Late
  • With live stream

Wed, 8 Apr 2026, 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Stromhungrige KI: Nachhaltige Wege zu mehr Künstlicher Intelligenz

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  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Tue, 21 Apr 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

3. Niedersächsischer Innovationsdialog: Future Made in Niedersachsen – Technologien für eine gesicherte Zukunft

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Newsroom

Illu mit zwei Personen, im Hintergrund ein Mikrofon
Interview 30 March 2026

Opportunities for high-risk research: New call for "Pioneering Projects – Exploring the Unknown Unknown"

Through this funding programme, the Volkswagen Foundation supports radical, unconventional research ideas that lie outside the mainstream. In 2026, the Distributed Peer Review (DPR) process will be used for the first time. Pavel Dutow and Theresa Kratzsch explain the process and offer tips on the application process. Deadline: 27 August; Online Q&A: 11 June and 16 July

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Farblich eingefärbte Weltkarte, die den Zustand des Academic Freedom in allen Ländern im Jahr 2025 zeigt.
News 17 March 2026

Academic Freedom Index: The Autonomy of Universities in the USA Falls Far Behind Peer Group

The new Academic Freedom Index (AFI) report provides an overview of the state of academic freedom worldwide. The data suggests a link between the institutional autonomy of universities and the individual freedom of researchers. In the US, a comparative analysis reveals a dramatic decline in university autonomy.

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