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"

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Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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How do we bring society around the table with AI research?

About Anika Kaiser and her research for a better dialogue between citizens and science

Events

  • Expert meeting
  • Herrenhausen Conference

09 Apr 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 11 Apr 2025, 02:00 p.m.

International Urban Health Summit

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Signet of the Urban Health Summit
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

23 Apr 2025, 09:30 a.m. - 24 Apr 2025, 05:00 p.m.

Final Symposium "AI and the society of the future"

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Es ist ein weißer Roboterarm zu sehen, der ein blau leuchtendes Gehirnmodell hält.

Newsroom

Funding offer 02 April 2025

Theme Week 'Multiple Crises – Strained Resources'

Apply now with your symposium: The causes, consequences and challenges of strained financial, material and human resources on society and economy are in the focus of the theme week from 15 to 17 April 2026. Deadline: 02 September 2025

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Funding offer 25 March 2025

Opus Magnum

The Opus Magnum funding initiative offers outstanding professors from the humanities and social sciences the opportunity to write a larger scientific work, relieved by a teaching substitution. Q&A on 2 April, 9 a.m. (registration required until 31 March), deadline: 4 November, 2025

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