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zukunft.niedersachsen is the largest science funding program in the history of the state of Lower Saxony. Working closely together, the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation join forces to promote the science system in the state and shape anticipated transformations in our society. Our goal is to strengthen Lower Saxony in the growing national and international competition for excellence in science.
ouragenda
Our way of life and our economy is undergoing profound change. We want to emerge from this transformation stronger in ecological, social, and economic terms. We have identified three areas of future development in which our funding programs should have a strong impact.
transformation
Shaping social and ecological change in science and the economy in a sustainable way.
digitality
Thinking ahead about the interaction between people and machines and treating data as a key resource.
cutting-edge research
Promoting outstanding researchers and establishing promising fields of research.
financing& history
The largest part of our funding comes from the annual dividend on 30.2 million Volkswagen shares held by the state of Lower Saxony. Further funds were added in 2023 through the IPO of Porsche AG. The funds are awarded in accordance with the Foundation’s purpose of supporting scientific projects and activities originating in Lower Saxony and must comply with the principle of additionality.
who’sbehind it
For more than 60 years, the Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation have been working together to strengthen research and education in Lower Saxony. Together, we develop the funding programs and decide which projects are to be funded following expert review.
quality assurance
A high-caliber strategic advisory board accompanies the implementation of the program. Ensuring scientific quality is a central part of every funding program