# Impetus for the German Science System: Strategic Experimental Spaces – University Development Requires Flexibility

**Funder:** Volkswagen Foundation
**Budget:** Up to €500,000
**Deadline:** 10 September 2026 (Published deadline: 10 September 2026, 14:00. The source page does not state a timezone; this entry date has passed.)
**Duration:** 2–5 years
**Consortium:** Required — universities in conjunction with the relevant ministries
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.volkswagenstiftung.de/en/funding/funding-offer/impetus-german-science-system-strategic-experimental-spaces-university-development-requires-flexibility
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

A university must be the main applicant and provide a binding declaration of intent from its responsible ministry. Funds strategic institutional experiments addressing legal or bureaucratic barriers, not a general lab research project.

## Summary

VolkswagenStiftung's Strategic Experimental Spaces funds university-development projects with up to €500,000 over two to five years.

## Who should apply

- Universities working with the responsible ministry on institutional flexibility.

## Key dates

- Entry closed 10 September 2026 at the published 14:00 cutoff; timezone not specified on the scheme page.

## Tips for applicants

- The ministry supplies a binding declaration of intent; do not substitute a lab-level application.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/volkswagen-foundation-impetus-for-the-german-science-system-strategic-ex-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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