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.

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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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humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

Societal Transformations

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

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Hand mit Kompass

Exploration

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

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Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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Mann mit Erlenmeyerkolben, darin grüner Inhalt

Thekla Ehling für VolkswagenStiftung

Is it possible to transfer artificial photosynthesis from the test tube into the cell?

More on Tobias Erb's story: "Artificial Photosynthesis: The decisive step forward "

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Gespräch
  • With live stream

Apr. 13, 2023, 07:00 PM - Apr. 13, 2023, 09:00 PM

Im Metaversum - über "echtes" Leben in einer virtuellen Welt

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Künstliche Stadtlandschaft mit Fesselballon im Hintergrund
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra
  • With live stream

Apr. 20, 2023, 07:00 PM - Apr. 20, 2023, 09:00 PM

Vom Bellen toter Hunde - Sind Heinrich Böll und Günter Grass bedeutungslos geworden?

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Portraitfotos von Günter Grass und Heinrich Böll vor einem Bücherhintergrund
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

May 10, 2023, 07:00 PM - May 10, 2023, 09:00 PM

Alles nur geklaut? Kulturelle Aneignung

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Newsroom

Funding offer

Additional Funding for Science Communication: new workshops dates 

#Science communication #Additional funding opportunities for grantees

Grantees currently receiving funding from the Volkswagen Foundation can receive additional support for projects aimed at communicating science. The deadline for communication projects is Sept. 14, 2023. We recommend attending one of the workshops offered in advance (July 10/11 or July 12/13, 2023).

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Woman in front of a shelf with records
Story

Supporting Science in Sub-Saharan Africa: Saving people and sounds from being forgotten

Lizabé Lambrechts researches South African popular music from the apartheid era 

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