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.

Learn more
humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

Societal Transformations

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

Learn more
Hand with compass

Exploration

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

Learn more
Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

Learn more
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 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"

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt das Kinoplakat mit der Hauptdarstellerin und dem Hauptdarsteller im Portrait.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra

15 Nov 2025, 07:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Finale des Debattierturniers im Xplanatorium Schloss Herrenhausen

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt ein glamouröses angestrahltes Redepult.

Newsroom

Eine Frau steht vor einem großen Plakat mit der Aufschrift "Falling Walls Science Summit"
Interview 11 November 2025

Breaking the Wall: Healthy aging in women

Ângela Gonçalves is this year's winner of the Women's Impact Award and Science Breakthrough of the Year. Her research is revolutionising our understanding of women's health and ageing. The Volkswagen Foundation supports the Women's Impact Award together with ‘Falling Walls Female Science Talents’ and the Elsevier Foundation.

Read article
Zwei Frauen, im Hintergrund Illustration mit Mikrofon
Interview 10 November 2025

'Basic research is part of the DNA of our funding activities.'

Why and how is the Volkswagen Foundation committed to basic research? A conversation with Henrike Hartmann, Head of Funding, and Hanna Denecke, Head of the Exploration Team.

Read article