The purpose of the foundation is to establish forward-looking fields of knowledge in the areas of science, the humanities, and technology, with a focus on research and university teaching in Germany and across the globe. The foundation also has additional funding opportunities that provide support for: research institutions in Lower Saxony, Niederschsisches Vorab; outstanding projects which do not fit into its current funding initiatives; grantees' interaction with the public and with the scientific community at large, communicating science and research.