Research powered by Volkswagen Foundation


The Volkswagen Foundation (VolkswagenStiftung) is Germany’s largest independent funder of basic research.

The Volkswagen Foundation is dedicated to the support of the humanities and social sciences as well as science and technology in higher education and research. It funds research projects in path-breaking areas and provides assistance to academic institutions for the improvement of the structural conditions for their work. In particular, the Foundation perceives its mission in supporting aspiring young researchers and in promoting interdisciplinary and international collaboration.

Volkswagen Foundation's involvement with the project

The Volkswagen Foundation is based in Hanover- Herrenhausen and has more than 100 employees. Their Funding Initiative Knowledge for Tomorrow: Cooperative Research Projects in Africa" exists since 2003.

The initiative allows young postdocs to apply for means to further their own research projects. Six areas of "Knowledge for Tomorrow" projects have been established since 2008: "Neglected Tropical Diseases", "Natural Resources", "Engineering", "Social Sciences", "Humanities" and "Livelihood Management".

For the "Humanities" branch, Dr Hanna Wielandt is program director. Her assistant, Ms Miriam Reinhart, can be contacted for organisational or administrative questions. Dr Adelheid Wessler is head leader of the VW  Foundation team "International".

Kindly find the link to the Volkswagen Foundation Websites below.

Dr. Hanna Wielandt

© RKT 2019
Hanna Wielandt at our Workshop in Saint-Louis, January 2019

Miriam Reinhart

© RKT 2019
Ms Reinhart sitting amongst Jury members and Fellows at the 2019 selection conference

Dr. Adelheid Wessler

© RKT 2019
Dr Wessler opening the Selection conference in Bishoftu, October 2019

get further information

VW Foundation: homepage

VW Foundation: Knowledge for Tomorrow Page