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.

We provide support in four profile areas

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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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Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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  • Public event

Nov. 09, 2024, 07:30 PM - 09:20 PM

Finale des Debattier-Turniers im Xplanatorium

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  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Science Movie Night

Nov. 15, 2024, 06:00 PM - 09:15 PM

Climate Endgame – radikal, rücksichtslos, gerechtfertigt?

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  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Nov. 19, 2024, 01:30 PM - Nov. 21, 2024, 01:00 PM

Global Issues Convention 2024

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Illustration mit Ladebalken und Text "Work in progress"
News 30. October 2024

Coming soon: Our new funding platform

We are proud to announce a new user-optimised funding platform, which will launch in early 2025. Important: Our current "Application and report system" will be unavailable from the end of November 2024. You will be able to apply for funding again from mid-January 2025. Find out more about the transition and what applicants and grantees need to know. 

Portrait eines Mannes, dahinter Illustration mit Mikrofon
Interview 23. October 2024

Room for development: Momentum funding for first-time professors

The 'Momentum - funding for recently tenured professors' initiative offers researchers the opportunity to further develop their professorship in terms of content and strategy at an early stage after taking up their first tenured full professorship. In our interview, Selahattin Danisman, program director at the Volkswagen Foundation, explains the key aspects of 'Momentum'. Next deadline: 28 April 2025