As a private research funding organization, we support researchers with creative ideas aimed at changing the world of science – something we have been doing for more than 60 years now. Our mission: We endow knowledge.

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We support

Bücherstapel

Understanding Research

Critically exploring and reflecting on the research system with a view to initiating positive change on areas such as career paths, governance, research and teaching.

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humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

Societal Transformations

Expanding knowledge about processes of transformation and developing possible courses of action together with stakeholders in civil society.

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Hand mit Kompass

Exploration

Breaking into previously unexplored research territory with unconventional ideas and experimental approaches.

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Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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Mann mit Erlenmeyerkolben, darin grüner Inhalt

Thekla Ehling für VolkswagenStiftung

Is it possible to transfer artificial photosynthesis from the test tube into the cell?

More on Tobias Erb's story: "Artificial Photosynthesis: The decisive step forward "

Events

  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

May 30, 2023, 09:00 AM - Jun. 01, 2023, 06:00 PM

New Frontiers in Reconstructing Human Evolution History (Keystone Symposia)

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Abstrakte DNA Darstellung
  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

Jun. 20, 2023, 07:00 PM - Jun. 20, 2023, 08:30 PM

Welt im Krisenmodus? Wie systemische Risiken unser vernetztes Leben beeinflussen

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Ausschnitt der Weltkugel mit Vernetzungslinien
  • Expert meeting
  • Workshop

Jun. 21, 2023, 02:00 PM - Jun. 21, 2023, 03:30 PM

Netzwerkveranstaltung Erdsystemwissenschaften

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Mann mit Laborbrille und Lupe blickt auf ein Modell der Erde

Newsroom

Funding offer

"Earth System Sciences" - funding offer and online networking event

#Sustainability

Universities in Germany with a geoscience focus can apply for one to two junior tenure-track professorships. Deadline is Nov. 15, 2023. An online networking event on the research field is scheduled for June 21, 2023.

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Funding offer

Transformational Knowledge on Democracies under Change – Transdisciplinary Perspectives

You would like to submit an application under the new funding initiative "Transformation of Democracy"? A workshop from June 26 to 28, 2023 in Hannover offers space for networking and developing initial ideas for joint transdisciplinary research. Application deadline is May 12, 2023.

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