FoundationGermany

Volkswagen Foundation

The Volkswagen Foundation is an independent German research funder, established in 1961 and not controlled by the car company of the same name. It backs ambitious and high-risk research across all disciplines. Its Pioneering Research call is led from German institutions, so University of Malawi researchers usually take part through a German partner.

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Open calls from Volkswagen Foundation

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Volkswagen Foundation — Pioneering Research

Volkswagen Foundation · Germany

Funds important, high-risk research aiming for major scientific breakthroughs across all disciplines. Short proposals evaluated by distributed peer review; selected projects invited to full proposal.

Deadline: Closes 27 August 2026Closed
Value: Up to €1.3 million per project (3–5 years)
Focus: All disciplines

View details & how to apply