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

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

16 May 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

25 Jahre EXPO 2000 - Macher, Meinungen, Meilensteine

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  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra
  • With live stream

01 Jun 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 04:00 p.m.

Kleines Update für das 21. Jahrhundert

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Newsroom

Zwei Frauen im Portrait, dahinter eine Illustration mit Mikrofon
Interview 24 April 2025

Rethinking neurodegeneration: new funding offer

Why does neurodegeneration research need new impetus - and how can interdisciplinarity help to achieve a breakthrough? Our Program Directors Dr Theresa Kratzsch and Dr Franziska Rönicke explain the vision behind the new 'NEXT – Rethink Neurodegeneration!' call.

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Funding offer 23 April 2025

NEXT – Rethink Neurodegeneration!

Interdisciplinary research teams investigating the fundamental mechanisms of dementia-causing neurodegeneration are invited to apply up until 28 August 2025.

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