Grant opportunity
Pioneering Research: Exploring the Unknown Unknown
High-risk, high-relevance basic research funding for bold projects that explore unknown unknowns across all disciplines.
- Funder
- Volkswagen Foundation
- Deadline
- Aug 27, 2026
- Award
- Up to EUR 1.3 million
- Applicant
- Postdoctoral and Faculty
- Discipline
- All Disciplines
- Region
- Germany / Global
- Posted
- May 13, 2026
Call summary
Overview
Volkswagen Foundation supports visionary basic research projects that pursue unconventional ideas with the potential for major scientific breakthroughs.
Who can apply
- Aimed at postdoctoral researchers and professors at German universities and research institutes.
- International collaborations are possible.
- Applicants should propose high-risk research outside mainstream approaches.
What it supports
- Basic research across all disciplines.
- Groundbreaking and risky ideas with high scientific relevance.
- Projects with potential for major breakthroughs, including projects that may fail.
Funding and duration
Up to EUR 1.3 million for three to five years.
Application deadline
Aug 27, 2026
How to apply
Submit a short proposal through the Volkswagen Foundation process by 27 August 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Call details
About the opportunity
Volkswagen Foundation supports visionary basic research projects that pursue unconventional ideas with the potential for major scientific breakthroughs.
Volkswagen Foundation lists this opportunity for Postdoctoral and Faculty, All Disciplines, Germany / Global.
This listing is written for researchers, students, universities, NGOs, research teams, policy professionals and academic institutions searching for All Disciplines grants, fellowships, scholarships, conferences, workshops and funding opportunities in Germany / Global contexts.
Eligibility
Aimed at postdoctoral researchers and professors at German universities and research institutes.
International collaborations are possible.
Applicants should propose high-risk research outside mainstream approaches.
Funding and benefits
Up to EUR 1.3 million for three to five years.
Themes and supported activities
Basic research across all disciplines.
Groundbreaking and risky ideas with high scientific relevance.
Projects with potential for major breakthroughs, including projects that may fail.
Deadline and timeline
Application deadline: Aug 27, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Submit a short proposal through the Volkswagen Foundation process by 27 August 2026 at 2:00 p.m.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.