zukunft.niedersachsen
In 2023, the state of Lower Saxony and the Volkswagen Foundation launched the new funding programme for cutting-edge research and teaching in Lower Saxony. At present, funding is being targeted at three key areas: digitality, transformation and cutting-edge research.
The joint goal of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation is to raise Lower Saxony’s profile significantly as a centre of science in the face of national and international competition. A high-calibre strategic advisory board is overseeing the implementation of the programme. The Academic Advisory Commission of Lower Saxony and the Lower Saxony Innovation agency 'niedersachsen.next' are also involved. Since 2023, zukunft.niedersachsen has replaced its predecessor programme, 'Niedersächsisches Vorab'.
Focus of the programme
Digitality
There is an opportunity to establish Lower Saxony as a digital science location of national importance. The umbrella initiative "Hochschule.digital Niedersachsen" already provides a statewide structure for joint action by all Lower Saxony universities to this end. The focus is on investments in future-oriented, digital teaching, learning and examination formats. Research in the field of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and research data management as a future key resource for value creation will be linked and jointly promoted with users in business, administration and culture.
Transformation
Based on analyses by the Academic Advisory Commission of Lower Saxony, thematic priorities will be formed and clearly profiled with collaborative and project funding.
- Energy and mobility transformation
- Resource-efficient management
- Healthy living - healthy living spaces
- Education and knowledge
Cutting-edge research
An immediate programme will support those university locations in Lower Saxony that have the potential to impress with outstanding research concepts, also in international competition. In addition, funds will continue to be made available in the future to attract the best researchers from Germany and abroad to Lower Saxony in defined fields.
Funding zukunft.niedersachsen
By far the greater part of zukunft.niedersachsen's finances results from the annual dividend paid on the nominal 30.2 million of trust shares in the VW automobile manufacturer held by the State of Lower Saxony, which are subject to a profit transfer entitlement accruing to the Volkswagen Foundation. In accordance with the Foundation’s statutes, the grants are awarded to scientific institutions in the state of Lower Saxony. To this end, the government of Lower Saxony submits proposals for the use of funds to the Foundation's Board of Trustees, usually in the summer and fall. In the reporting year 2021, a total of 149.3 million euros was allocated in the frame of the former "Niedersächsisches Vorab" – now zukunft.niedersachsen.