Newsroom

Illustration mit Mann mit Schutzhelm vor einer Brückenbaustelle, an der zwei unterschiedliche Brücken, eine mit US und eine mit deutscher Fahne, aufeinandertreffen
In Brief 13 October 2025

New Bridge Professorships for Transatlantic Research

With its new funding initiative "Transatlantic Bridge Professorships", the Foundation aims to strengthen connections between renowned scholars from the United States and research institutions in Germany. The programme focuses on key topics such as democracy, fundamental rights, and academic freedom. Online Q&A on 9 December 2025.

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.

Lostrommel mit Kugeln
News 02 October 2025

Night Science: Ten Research Tandems Selected by Lottery 

54 applications, ten funded tandems - and a lottery drum: with the Night Science funding programme, the Volkswagen Foundation is for the first time specifically supporting the creative beginnings of scientific projects.

Eine gezeichnete Frau Zwischen Papierstapeln, die in eine Cloud fliegen
News 01 October 2025

Research Meets Administration: Finding Practical Solutions Together

Administration without queues – this could be the outcome of Prof. Dr. Anna Maria Oberländer's 'Change!' project. Her goal: people-centred digital administration.

Podiumsdiskussion mit sechs Teilnehmer:innen, die nebeneinander auf einer Bühne sitzen
Event Report 18 September 2025

Research as a Bridge: Lower Saxony Celebrates Its Partnership With Israel

Sixty years ago, a unique scientific collaboration began between Germany and Israel. A ceremony at Herrenhausen Palace on 15 September celebrated this engine of innovation and mutual understanding –  as well as the 100th anniversary of two leading Israeli universities.

Luftbild des Welfenschlosses (Ansicht von Süden)
Event Report 12 September 2025

Can Universities Save Democracy?

On 10 September 2025, experts gathered at Herrenhausen Palace to take part in a symposium on the topic of why authoritarian regimes routinely attack educational institutions, what this says about the value of these institutions to open societies, and how universities can return to their core mission.

Stories

Foto einer einzelnen Manganknolle
Story 15 July 2026

Manganese Nodules and Microorganisms: Life Fuelled by Radioactivity?

Radioactivity is generally considered harmful to life. Yet in manganese nodules in the deep sea, microorganisms might benefit from it. Or even live off it? This is the intriguing hypothesis that geoscientist Walter Geibert hopes to prove.

Satellitenansicht der Innertropischen Konvergenzzone
Story 09 June 2026

Climate Research Using Old Ship’s Logs: the Wind Leaves no Trace on the Sea

Did a volcanic eruption in 1783 shift the tropical rain belt? Old ship’s logs could provide the answer – and also shed light on the future climate for millions of people living around the equator.

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