Volkswagen Foundation
Night Science – Space for the Creative Mind
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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 tandems of 2 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.
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