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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Portrait einer Frau

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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

12 Aug 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Tierisch tödlich – wie gefährlich sind Zoonosen?

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Zu sehen sind zwei Petrischalen mit Zellkulturen, die gegen das Licht gehalten werden.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra

23 Aug 2025, 04:00 p.m. - 05:00 p.m.

Von Kutschen und König:innen - Vier königliche Prunk-Karossen aus dem Haus Hannover in Herrenhausen

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Gemälde auf der Seitentür des Staatswagens des Prince of Wales Georg (IV.) : die Geburt der Britannia als Geschöpf des Meeres

Newsroom

zwei Personen mit Lupen betrachten ein Gebäude mit Aufschrift "Scientia"
In Brief 05 August 2025

Science and politics in conflict: new research projects receive funding

Five new collaborative projects will focus on how science develops in a world shaped by political demands, global networking and digital challenges. The Volkswagen Foundation is providing around €4.9 million in funding for these projects as part of its 'Researching Research' initiative.

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Ukrainische Flagge
In Brief 04 August 2025

A new beginning for the Ukrainian pharmaceutical industry

Ukraine faces the challenge of rebuilding its economy. A new research project is investigating how its industrial heritage can be effectively leveraged to modernise the pharmaceutical industry and integrate it into the European market.

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