Volkswagen Foundation
Night Science – Space for the Creative Mind
Last seen in a scan/import: .
Catalog updated: .
These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.
No deadline is on file for this call. Check Volkswagen Foundation's own call page for the current round's status before you plan around it.
Night Science, Space for the Creative Mind funds interdisciplinary tandems of two scientists pursuing unconventional approaches in natural, life, and engineering sciences in Germany. The Volkswagen Foundation call requires consortium collaboration and includes mandatory participation in a three-workshop support programme designed to foster cross-disciplinary innovation.
Details
| Funder | Volkswagen Foundation |
| Consortium | Required — interdisciplinary tandem of two scientists |
| Eligible countries | DE |
Eligibility & scope
Aimed at interdisciplinary tandems of two scientists open to unconventional approaches, in Natural, Life and Engineering Sciences (excluding medical sciences). Includes an obligatory support programme with three workshops.
Who Should Apply
- •Two scientists from different disciplines willing to collaborate as a tandem
- •Researchers based at German institutions
- •Projects in natural, life, or engineering sciences (medical sciences excluded)
- •Teams with appetite for unconventional, exploratory research approaches
Key Dates
- •First listed on Grantsby 21 June 2026, verify exact deadline and application stages on Volkswagen Foundation site
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The tandem model is core: reviewer panels assess collaboration chemistry and complementarity as much as individual researcher strength.
- ✓Use the mandatory workshop series as a planning asset, not a burden, frame your proposal to leverage the peer exchange and structured reflection time.
- ✓Emphasise unconventionality: Volkswagen Foundation rewards intellectual risk and novel combinations over incremental extensions of established lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a partner to apply for Night Science, Space for the Creative Mind?
Yes, the call requires an interdisciplinary tandem of exactly two scientists from different research fields.
Which fields are eligible for Night Science?
Natural, life, and engineering sciences are eligible; medical sciences are excluded.
Are non-German researchers eligible for Night Science?
The call is open to researchers based at German institutions; nationality is not specified as a barrier, but institutional location is Germany.
Is there a support or training element in Night Science?
Yes, participation in three mandatory workshops is included as part of the funding structure.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
Similar grants
Pioneering Research – Exploring the Unknown Unknown
Volkswagen FoundationLead Agency Procedure (DFG-NWO Joint Pilot)
DFG and NWODeadline: 30 Jul 2027NWO-DFG Pilot 2024-2027: Dutch-German Basic Research Projects in Fields of the Sciences
DFGDeadline: 31 Jul 2027Weave - FWO as partner
FWONEXT – 'Dual Use' of Ideas and Concepts from the Humanities and Social Sciences
Volkswagen Foundation
Browse Related
Could Night Science – Space for the Creative Mind be right for you?
See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →