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.

We provide support in four profile areas

Pile of books

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.

Learn more
humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

Societal Transformations

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

Learn more
Hand with compass

Exploration

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

Learn more
Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

Learn more
Zwei behandschuhte Hände sind zu sehen, die hellbraune kleine Fasern zwischen vertikale, horizontale und diagonale helle Holzstreifen legen.

Mushrooms instead of concrete: innovative biomaterials enable sustainable construction

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

Aug. 15, 2024, 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

CO2-Zertifikate – Ablasshandel oder effektive Werkzeuge?

Learn more
Das Bild zeugt kleine Geldberge, aus denen Pflanzen wachsen.
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Aug. 20, 2024, 12:00 PM - Aug. 22, 2024, 01:00 PM

Statussymposium "Innovative Approaches to Antiviral Drug Development"

Learn more
The funding initiative "Innovative approaches in antiviral drug development" builds a bridge between high-risk basic research and practical application. (Design: Freepik http://www.freepik.com)
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Sep. 04, 2024, 01:00 PM - Sep. 06, 2024, 12:30 PM

Potentials and Challenges for Europe

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt eine Frau und einen Mann, die nachdenken. Im Hintergrund ist die EU-Flagge zu sehen,
Ein Mann steht vor einem großen Berg alter Matratzen
Story 10. July 2024

Circular economy – New life for old mattresses

Every year, hundreds of thousands of latex mattresses end up in the bulky waste in Germany. They are incinerated because there is no recycling process for them. The REFOAM research project aims to change this.

Frau hält einem Seehund die Hand an die Schnauze
Video 01. July 2024

Claudius Wagemann in a video portrait: Understanding political protests