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 support

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.

Learn more
humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

Societal Transformations

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

Learn more
Hand with compass

Exploration

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

Learn more
Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

Learn more
Caroline Augenstein

Julia Sellmann für VolkswagenStiftung

We really are capable of shaping the future in real terms.

More on Karoline Augensteins story: "Happy ending or apocalypse?"

Events

  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Apr. 16, 2024, 09:00 AM - Apr. 18, 2024, 06:00 PM

Cardiovascular Epigenetics and Gene Regulation (Keystone Symposia)

Learn more
3d illustration showing a glowing human heart made of neon particles.
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Apr. 23, 2024, 01:00 PM - 07:00 PM

Niedersächsischer Innovationsdialog

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt eine Gruppe junger Menschen im Kreis, die ihre Hände zur Mitte hin triumphal erheben.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Late
  • With live stream

Apr. 23, 2024, 08:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Die verblüffende Welt der Schwammstädte - innovatives urbanes Wassermanagement

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt das Setting von Herrenhausen Late mit DJ

Newsroom

Person mit Schutzbrille pipettiert eine Flüssigkeit in Reagenzgläser mit Pflanzen
Event

Grüne Gentechnik – Allheilmittel oder versteckte Gefahr?

Mit einem neuen Gesetz will die EU die Blockade gegenüber gentechnischen Verfahren durchbrechen. Am 4. April 2024 diskutieren Expert:innen in Hannover über den Nutzen und die Risiken neuer Züchtungen aus dem Genlabor.

Read article
Zwei Frauen auf einer Bühne
News

Call open: Women´s Impact Award

Together with Falling Walls Female Science Talents and other partners, we announce this year’s Women’s Impact Award, which is part of the Falling Walls Global Call, open until 1 May 2024.

Read article