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.

The funding initiative aims at exploring new research spaces in the humanities and cultural sciences. Online Q&As on Feb. 21 (German) and Feb. 28 (English), 2025, 10 AM (no registration necessary).  Application deadline: April 3, 2025

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.

Funding is provided for scientifically outstanding projects from the life sciences and medicine conducted jointly by researchers from Israel and Lower Saxony. Deadline: March 31, 2025

Coastal cities around the world are at risk of sinking as a result of rising sea levels in the wake of global warming. Urban researcher Hilke Marit Berger asks herself how this can be dealt with, not just technically, but above all socially and emotionally – and searches the past for answers for the future.

How do taboos emerge in science? What exactly is considered taboo in different fields? And how can these taboos be dismantled? These are some of the questions that will be addressed during the theme week from September 17–19, 2025 in Hannover. Apply now for a scientific symposium, deadline: February 11, 2025.