promoting.research

zukunft.niedersachsen

The joint funding program of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation aims at promoting research, education, and transfer in the federal state of Lower Saxony.

to the funding opportunities
View of a modern library with rows of light-coloured bookshelves

Leibniz-Institut für Bildungsmedien GEI

seminar room with students and professor

TomWerner via GettyImages

A woman in a white coat with a hygiene cap on her head stands at a screen in a modern hall with technical equipment

Ulf Salzmann für ISFH

A woman with a pipette in her hand works on a laboratory fume cupboard

Schmitt für Twincore

initiate.action

The largest funding program in Lower Saxony’s history opens up unique opportunities for science.

Logo Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kultur
Logo VolkswagenStiftung

promoting

ourfocus

Our profile areas are designed to support Lower Saxony’s universities and research institutions, helping them to develop further and find answers to the challenging issues of our time.

new knowledge

We promote the development of new initiatives, strengthen cross collaboration, and support the strategic development of higher education.

bright minds

We support universities in the acquisition of talented researchers.

additional infrastructure

We expand the structural basis of research and teaching, both analog and digital.

Ein Mann in einem braunen Pullover sitzt vor einem Mikroskop und schaut an der Kamera vorbei

story

High-tech Searchfor Virus Resilience

Why do viruses make some people sick and others not? Max Kellner seeks answers where infections cause little harm: by examining natural hosts such as bats. A portrait of curiosity, crises, and risk-prone research. By Björn Lohmann.
the story
Eine Frau mit schwarzen Locken lächelt mit einer blauen Decke über den Beinen in die Kamera

story

Microbiologist witha passion for diversity

In her research, she explores the importance of diversity in microbial communities. As a mentor, Sarahi Garcia encourages early career researchers to embrace diversity in the academic world. A portrait by Dr. Ulrike Schneeweiß.
the story
Portrait eines lachenden Mannes mit blauem Pullover

story

Developmental psychology:On the trail of everyday life

Manuel Bohn researches how children’s everyday lives become the key to grasping psychological and cognitive development. To do this, he uses innovative methods, artificial intelligence, and an international perspective. A portrait by Stefanie Reinberger.
the story
Ein Mann in einem braunen Pullover sitzt vor einem Mikroskop und schaut an der Kamera vorbei

story

High-tech Searchfor Virus Resilience

Why do viruses make some people sick and others not? Max Kellner seeks answers where infections cause little harm: by examining natural hosts such as bats. A portrait of curiosity, crises, and risk-prone research. By Björn Lohmann.
the story
Eine Frau mit schwarzen Locken lächelt mit einer blauen Decke über den Beinen in die Kamera

story

Microbiologist witha passion for diversity

In her research, she explores the importance of diversity in microbial communities. As a mentor, Sarahi Garcia encourages early career researchers to embrace diversity in the academic world. A portrait by Dr. Ulrike Schneeweiß.
the story
Portrait eines lachenden Mannes mit blauem Pullover

story

Developmental psychology:On the trail of everyday life

Manuel Bohn researches how children’s everyday lives become the key to grasping psychological and cognitive development. To do this, he uses innovative methods, artificial intelligence, and an international perspective. A portrait by Stefanie Reinberger.
the story

ouragenda

We are undergoing a profound transformation of our economy and way of life. Our aim is to emerge stronger in ecological, social, and economic contexts. We have identified three areas of particularly important future challenges in which our funding programs should have a strong impact.

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transformation

Shaping sustainable social and ecological transformation in the economy and the science system.

digitality

Thinking ahead about the interaction between people and machines, using data as a key resource.

cutting-edge research

Promoting outstanding researchers and establishing promising fields of research.

research

news of tomorrowprojects and areas of research in focus

Foto eines Bildschirms, der die Projektdatenbank der Stiftung zeigt
news
The Grants Database Lists Our Funded Research Projects

Following a comprehensive overhaul, the grants database now features enhanced search functions and a clear, modern design.

Read more
29
Jun
Eine Hand wirft einen Papierflieger los bei Dämmerung
Funding Offer
Boost Research! Seed Grants for Lower Saxony

This funding programme offers researchers the opportunity to receive seed funding for novel collaborative projects. The aim is to use the funding to enable the acquisition of additional third-party funding. This includes the strategic preparation of applications for large funding formats as well as significantly smaller projects.

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18
Feb
Verschiedene Menschen stehen für ein Gruppenbild zusammen
news
Infection research in Lower Saxony: The HUMAN programme opens creative avenues for better health

Whether during the annual flu season or the coronavirus pandemic, we repeatedly experience firsthand the impact that viruses and bacteria have on our everyday lives. In the HUMAN programme, junior research groups participating in the HUMAN programme at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research in Braunschweig are investigating the complex interaction between humans and microbes.

Read more
03
Feb
Ein Mann in einem braunen Pullover sitzt vor einem Mikroskop und schaut an der Kamera vorbei
story
High-tech Search for Virus Resilience

Why do viruses make some people sick and others not? Max Kellner seeks answers where infections cause little harm: by examining natural hosts such as bats. A portrait of curiosity, crises, and risk-prone research. By Björn Lohmann.

Read more
03
Feb
Vor blauem Himmel wehen die schottische und die deutsche Fahne
news
Lower Saxon-Scottish Projects get Started

International cooperation opens up valuable opportunities for scientists in Lower Saxony. That is why the Ministry of Science and the Volkswagen Foundation are funding ten Lower Saxony-Scottish research collaborations. From energy supply and medicine to space travel: a selection of the approved projects demonstrates their wide range of subjects.

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12
Jan
Vor blauem Himmel wehen die schottische und die deutsche Fahne
Funding Offer
Lower Saxony – Scotland Research and Innovation Scheme: Stream II – Excellence Track

​The programme provides Lower Saxonian and Scottish higher education institutions and their researchers with a unique opportunity to conduct joint research to lay the foundation for successful third-party funding bids, in particular Horizon Europe. Deadline: 30 April 2026

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12
Dec
Auf dem Podium sprechen fünf Teilnehmer:innen vor Publikum mit der Moderatorin
news
Lower Saxony celebrates 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.

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19
Sep
Logo Innovationsrat
news
Innovation Council Lower Saxony begins work

The new committee was established by the state government with the brief to apply a holistic approach to strategic development of the state's innovation system. The council members began their work with their first meeting at the beginning of July.

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17
Jul
Hannah Arendt schaut verträumt zur Seite
Funding Offer
Hannah Arendt Fellowships: New Call

The Hannah Arendt Fellowships enable outstanding international academics from the humanities, cultural and social sciences to spend six months conducting research in Lower Saxony. "Humans and AI" is the topic for 2027. Deadline: 1 June 2026

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10
Mar