Pioneering Research – Exploring the Unknown Unknown
Forecasted
Volkswagen Foundation's Pioneering Research grant funds high-risk, groundbreaking basic research projects that seek to explore uncharted scientific territory across all disciplines.
Funder: Volkswagen Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027: Submission deadline short proposals (projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to €1.3 million per project for 3–5 years
Summary: Funds high-risk, radically explorative basic research projects with potential for major scientific breakthroughs across all disciplines.
Key Information: Forecasted cycle: all dates are projected—check program page for updates.
Description
This program supports daring, high-risk basic research projects that seek to explore scientific territory beyond established boundaries. The aim is to foster radically innovative ideas with the potential for transformative breakthroughs or paradigm shifts, even if such projects carry a significant risk of failure. The initiative is open to all disciplines and encourages projects that challenge conventional thinking and open new avenues of knowledge.
