In brief

Application at any time after consultation with the Volkswagen Foundation

area of research: all

type of funding: professorship, additional resources

eligible: excellent, internationally recognised scientists

The funding amount depends on requirements of the individual case; co-financing of around 25% is requiredfunding term: up to 5 years

what we promote

The "Lower Saxony Professorship" addresses exceptional academics who are professionally excellent and have several years of (management) experience in the science system. They are expected to have the capacity to shape the profile and structure of their university location and impact the research region at large.

With the "Lower Saxony Professorship" funding program, the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK) and the Volkswagen Foundation support Lower Saxony's universities in approaching and attracting leading academics directly.

Funding line 1 of the "Lower Saxony Professorship" " addresses exceptional academics who are professionally excellent and have several years of (management) experience in the science system. They are expected to have the capacity to shape the profile and structure of their university location and impact the research region at large. In view of the high requirements, the number of positive funding decisions is limited to three per year.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

Based on the publicly available descriptions of projects and programme priorities, here are key predictors of success for zukunft.niedersachsen grants:

Predictor	Why it is important	Supporting rationale
Alignment with one of the priority fields (Transformation, Digitalität, Spitzenforschung)	The programme explicitly frames its funding around these themes — proposals off-theme are less likely to be competitive. mwk.niedersachsen.de	Explain in your application which theme you are addressing and how.
Demonstrating regional relevance to Niedersachsen	The programme is aimed at strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem of Niedersachsen. zukunft.niedersachsen+1	Show how your project benefits or is embedded in Niedersachsen.
High innovation / strategic research potential	The scheme emphasizes “zukunftsweisende Forschung” and strategic profiling of institutions. zukunft.niedersachsen+1	Provide novel approaches, technology, or strategic institutional impact.
Strong institutional or infrastructural support	Funding is large-scale and the institution must have strategy and capacity; the programme focuses on strategic profiling of universities. volkswagenstiftung.de	Show that your host institution supports the project and will sustain impact.
Clear deliverables and feasibility	Even with strategic aims, feasibility is important for the funding body’s confidence.	Projects cited (e.g., energy systems, agriculture) tie into focused objectives. mwk.niedersachsen.de
Interdisciplinarity and collaboration	Many of the funded initiatives involve large teams, strategic alliances, or technology transfer. zukunft.niedersachsen	Show how you bring together disciplines or partners to amplify impact.
Internationalisation or global relevance	Although regional, the programme celebrates international competitiveness and recruitment of top talent. mwk.niedersachsen.de	If applicable, highlight international dimension or attracting talent to Niedersachsen.

Common Weaknesses / Risks

A project that is too narrow or purely incremental may not meet the “zukunftsweisend” (future-oriented) criterion.

Lack of clarity how the work ties into the state or region of Niedersachsen may reduce competitiveness.

Poor strategic justification or weak institutional framework may weaken the “Spitzenforschung” aim.

If the proposal does not clearly articulate its relevance to one of the major themes (Transformation, Digitalität, or Spitzenforschung), it may be judged as off-focus.

Strategic Tips for Applicants

Explicitly map how your project addresses one (or ideally two) of the priority fields — e.g., how it contributes to digitalisation or to transformation of societal challenges.

Demonstrate how your institution in Niedersachsen is positioned for success (infrastructure, strategic plan, partnership).

Show measurable outcomes, realistic timeline, and alignment with institutional strategy.

Emphasize innovation, novelty, and broader impact (on region, economy, society).

If possible, include collaboration across disciplines, or with industry, or international dimension, to strengthen the case.

Use language/terminology from the programme (e.g., “zukunftsweisend”, “digitalität”, “transformation”) to show alignment.

Clarify how this funding will lead to sustainable impact, not just one-off research.

Eligibility Requirements

excellent, internationally recognised scientists

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: zukunft niedersachsen

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: Leibnizufer 9 30169 Hannover

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