Newsroom

Grafik mit jungen Menschen, die politische Botschaften auf einer Demonstration von sich geben.
News 20 February 2025

Democracies under pressure: 14 million euros to research how to overcome the crisis

The foundation has brought together researchers from the humanities, cultural studies, and social sciences, as well as practitioners from outside academia, to develop new ideas and solutions for making democracies more resilient.

Illustration mit zwei Personen, eine hält einen Bauplan, die andere überklebt eine Litfasssäule
In Brief 11 February 2025

Changing society for the better: 28 million euros for transformative research projects

Positive change is needed for a society worth living in. With "Change!", the Foundation is funding 17 projects that combine research and practical knowledge with 28 million euros – from educational equity and coastal research to AI in law enforcement.

Laptop mit geöffnetem Bildschirm der das Förderportal der VolkswagenStiftung zeigt
News 20 January 2025

Our new funding platform

Our new user-optimised funding platform is now available! You can use it to submit applications and access all important information and documents related to our funding initiatives.

Eine Frau sitzt mit einer blauen Decke vor einer weißen Wand
In Brief 07 January 2025

Microbiologist with a passion for diversity

In her research, she explores the importance of diversity in microbial communities. As a mentor, Sarahi Garcia encourages early career researchers to embrace diversity in the academic world. 

Würfel mit verschiedenen Symbolen, darunter Glühbirne und Figur mit Doktorhut, ein Würfel mit der Aufschrift "Fördermittel"
News 02 January 2025

Another 10,000 euros for reviewers

Second round for a special experiment: Anyone who reviews on behalf of the Volkswagen Foundation until December 31, 2025 will be entered into a draw and may win €10,000 in funding.

Frau im Portrait, dahinter Illustration mit MIkrofon
Interview 02 December 2024

Researching Research: "There is still considerable potential!"

The "Researching Research" funding initiative strengthens interdisciplinarity and internationalisation in the field – and is also intended to generate policy recommendations for policy-makers. An interview with the programme manager Johanna Brumberg.

Stories

Portrait einer Frau in einem weitläufigen Flur
Story 08 October 2025

Christina Roggatz: Science That Makes Waves

Marine scientist Dr Christina Roggatz from the University of Bremen is leading her own team for the first time – and through her work wants to arrive at a better understanding of climate change. Here she gives us an insight into her everyday life as leader of a junior research group.

Portrait eines Mannes
Story 09 July 2025

How does working with AI impact on research?

As a tool of science, artificial intelligence entails numerous risks, opportunities, and ambivalences. These need to be identified and classified. However, there is no revolution in sight, according to Jens Schröter.