Funding offer Oct. 07, 2024

Theme Week "The (De)tabooing of Science and Research"

How do taboos emerge in science? What exactly is considered taboo in different fields? And how can these taboos be dismantled? These are some of the questions that will be addressed during the theme week from September 17–19, 2025 in Hannover. Apply now for a scientific symposium, deadline: February 11, 2025.

Funding offer Oct. 02, 2024

New funding programme: NEXT – Quantum Biology

With this programme, the foundation aims to support the proof of quantum effects in biological systems, thereby increasing the acceptance of this research field. We are looking for interdisciplinary project teams that are prepared to take on the challenge of overcoming the limitations of current approaches. Application deadline: 11 February 2025

Ein See unter weitem Himmel, im Hintergrund eine Gebirgskette, im Vordergrund ein Reiter und eine Jurte
Interview Oct. 01, 2024

International funding: 'The prospects are promising'

The last projects in the Foundation's funding initiative 'Central Asia/Caucasus'  will soon come to an end. Other research funders, including the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, will follow up in the region – and the Foundation will be continuing its international funding activities with new topics. A discussion about the complementarity of private and public funding of projects that take place abroad. 

Tastatur, Kopfhörer, Block, Stift und Kaffeetasse
Event Oct. 01, 2024

Live-Webinar on our funding portfolio

Twice a year - at the beginning of each semester in April and October - the Volkswagen Foundation offers a free, one-hour live webinar in English on the funding portfolio. The next webinar is scheduled for April 15, 2025, 10:30 to 11:30 am.

Portrait eines Mannes
Story Sep. 23, 2024

Perovskite pioneer: How a Freigeist Fellow is revolutionising solar cells and X-ray devices

Physicist Felix Lang discovered the self-healing powers of a soft semiconductor. He now wants to use it to improve the production of electricity in space, make solar power cheaper here on Earth, and help X-rays to produce less radiation and better resolution – in colour!

Illustration mit mehreren Personen, die Diversität zeigen soll
Funding offer Sep. 11, 2024

Equal opportunity funds

For calls with a cut-off date falling after January 1, 2025, researchers who submit applications for project funding can at the same time apply for funds to improve equal opportunities and diversity in their project. Such funds can be used for measures such as childcare, support for people with physical disabilities, awareness-raising workshops, and coaching.