From energy-intensive equipment and ventilation systems to consumables: scientific research laboratories consume a lot of energy and other resources. Chemist Prof. Dr Nico Bruns from TU Darmstadt explains why it pays to properly organise laboratories with the aim of achieving more sustainably.

The Opus Magnum funding initiative offers outstanding professors from the humanities and social sciences the opportunity to write a larger scientific work, relieved by a teaching substitution. Q&A on 2 April, 9 a.m. (registration required until 31 March), deadline: 4 November, 2025

The programme addresses transdisciplinary teams of researchers from the humanities, cultural or social sciences and partners outside of academia who jointly work on different ideas and issues relating to democracy in transition. Questions about the funding programme? Visit one of our online consultation hours. Deadline: 9 September 2025

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 October 7, 2025, 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

Funding is provided for workshops and summer schools that provide opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to acquire additional expertise, methodological skills, and knowledge of ways of working that are critical to the advancement of the research field. Deadline: October 30, 2025