In
brief
what we promote
This funding programme offers researchers the opportunity to apply for seed funding for novel projects carried out jointly by at least two partners. The aim is to enable the acquisition of additional third-party funding. This includes the strategic preparation of proposals for major funding formats (e.g. Collaborative Research Centres) as well as significantly smaller collaborative projects. The programme is open to all topics and disciplines.
How to apply
links and downloads
- Information for Applicants
- Information for Applicants "internationalisation module"
- Registration for Online Consultation (17 March 2026, 1p.m.)
- Registration for Online Consultation (16 April 2026, 1p.m.)
- Ministry’s personnel rates for academic staff
- Template Basic Data Management Plan
- DFG CV-Template
- Template Projektbeschreibung (download, docx)
- Explanations (including input tax deduction, data protection, in German/download)
- funding portal of Volkswagen Foundation
contact
news of tomorrowprojects and areas of research in focus
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.
18
Feb
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.
03
Feb
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.
12
Jan
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
12
Dec
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.
19
Sep
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.
17
Jul
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
10
Mar
New call: Climate Future Lab "climate-resilient ecosystems in rural regions"
This call for proposals supports the establishment and implementation of a research consortium to address climate-resilient ecosystems in rural regions as part of the Climate Future Labs of the Lower Saxony Centre for Climate Research (ZKfN). Deadline for application: November 3, 2025