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.

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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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Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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Circular economy - new life for old mattresses

TO THE STORY ABOUT THE ‘REFOAM’ PROJECT BY PETER QUICKER AND HIS TEAM

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Late
  • With live stream

Dec. 10, 2024, 08:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Es gibt ihn, es gibt ihn nicht. Die Frage nach dem freien Willen

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Das Bild zeigt DJ Richmond bei Herrenhausen Late der VolkswagenStiftung im Festsaal des Xplanatoriums Herrenhausen in Hannover.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Late
  • With live stream

Jan. 15, 2025, 08:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Zecken im Klimawandel: Wer gewinnt, wer verliert?

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Das Bild zeigt Prof. Christina Strube mit einer Riesenzecke und Hund
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Jan. 22, 2025, 02:30 PM - Jan. 23, 2025, 06:00 PM

International Science & Policy Symposium (ISPS): Navigating Global Responsibility - How Research-Intensive Universities Strengthen Societies

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Das Bild zeigt weiße Linien vor rotem Hintergrund

Newsroom

Cover mit Aufdruck "Steckbrief"
Publication of the Foundation 26. November 2024

Profile - the Volkswagen Foundation in brief

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Eine Gruppe Erwachsener vor einem imposanten Garten
Event report 19. November 2024

Focus on Europe: Challenges and potentials

The European idea is noticeably crumbling. Researchers funded by the Volkswagen Foundation met at the status symposium 'Challenges and potentials for Europe' to exchange views on the results of their research on the topic.  One conclusion: fortunately, joint European research on Europe is not crumbling!  

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