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

  • Expert meeting
  • Hochschulpolitisches Werkstattgespräch

Fri, 27 Feb 2026, 1:00 p.m. to Sat, 28 Feb 2026, 2:00 p.m.

Sicherheits- und Verteidigungsforschung - Zeitwende an deutschen Hochschulen

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Wegweiser Universität vor blauem Himmel
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Wed, 4 Mar 2026, 9:00 a.m. to Thu, 5 Mar 2026, 2:00 p.m.

Kick-Off "Open Up"

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Zu sehen sind drei junge Menschen vor einem Berggipfel, ausgerüstet mit Rucksäcken, bereit den Berg zu besteigen.

Newsroom

Illustration with a woman in a hard hat and a building plan in front of an advertising pillar
Funding Offer 16 February 2026

Change! Fellowships

With the new funding program, the Volkswagen Foundation supports scientists who conduct research on transformation processes and, with the help of their network, put their knowledge into practice. Next deadline for Fellowships: 16 Apr. 2026, Online Q&A: 6 March, 30 March and 10 April

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Tastatur, Kopfhörer, Block, Stift und Kaffeetasse
Event 11 February 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 9 April 2026.

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