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.

Visit our funding portfolio Who we are

We provide support in four profile areas

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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Androiden-Kopf mit technischen Geräten statt des Gehirns

Societal Transformations

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

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Kompass

Exploration

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

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hölzerner Schach-Springer (Pferd)

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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Portrait eines Mannes

ehrenwerk.tv für VolkswagenStiftung

Story

Brain meets chip: hybrid computers made of nerves and fibre optics

Read the article featuring a video profile of experimental physicist Wolfram Pernice

Events

  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Thu, 11 Jun 2026, 9:30 a.m. to Fri, 12 Jun 2026, 4:30 p.m.

Status symposium “Towards Circularity 2026”

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  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Tue, 16 Jun 2026, 9:00 a.m. to Thu, 18 Jun 2026, 6:00 p.m.

Viral Pathogenesis and Immunity: From Molecular Discoveries to Therapeutics

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Newsroom

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News 27 April 2026

Funding Opportunity for Reviewers: Programme to Continue

Over the next three years at least, the Foundation’s reviewers will continue to be eligible to receive a grant of 10,000 euro by lottery. No application is required; participation is automatic upon undertaking the role of reviewer.

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Funding Offer 21 April 2026

Strategic Experimental Spaces – University Development Requires Flexibility

Funding is provided for strategic concepts at universities in conjunction with the relevant ministries, within which new approaches are tested that previously could not be implemented due to legal or bureaucratic regulations. Next deadline: 10 September 2026; online Q&As on 20 May and 25 June

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