DFG form 1.813 – 09/22

Page 1 of 12Guidelines
Initiation of International Collaboration Programme with Proposal Preparation Instructions

Disclaimer: The English translation of this document is provided for informational purposes. In
the event of a discrepancy between the English and the German versions, the German text
takes precedence.

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Kennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.deDFGDFG form 1.813 – 09/22Page 2 of 12Guidelines

I

Programme Information

1Objective
This grant programme aims to support the initiation of international research collaboration.
It consists of the components “Exploratory Workshops”, “Project-related Trips Abroad” and“Project-related Guest Visits”.

Further explanations can be found in the proposal preparation instructions below.

This funding instrument is not intended to support international conferences (see International Scientific Events and Annual Conferences of Scientific and Academic Associations,
DFG form 1.09), the implementation of joint research projects (see Research Grants Programme, DFG form 50.01) or meetings of research networks (see Scientific Networks, DFG
form 1.03).
2Proposals

2.1

Eligibility
Researchers in Germany, or those working at a German research institution abroad, whohave completed their academic training (a doctorate as a rule) are eligible to apply.

Proposals may not generally be submitted by persons working at an institution that is not
non-profit or one that does not permit the immediate publication of research findings in a
generally accessible form.

Researchers who are employed at one of the institutes or member organisations of the Max
Planck Society, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Helmholtz Association or Leibniz Association; researchers working at a publicly funded institute associated with one of these organisations;and researchers working at international research facilities located in Germany should notethe rules on the duty to cooperate.
www.dfg.de/formulare/55_01

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Kennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.deDFGDFG form 1.813 – 09/22

2.2

Page 3 of 12Format and deadline
Proposals may be submitted at any time. It is strongly recommended to submit proposals
no later than six months before the start of the activity, so that sufficient time remains after
the decision for visa matters, booking inexpensive flights, etc.

A subsequent proposal with the same participants may be submitted only if its necessity isderived from the results of the first grant and the proposed activity constitutes definite progress from the initial one.

The proposal format and the information provided must adhere to the proposal preparation
instructions below.
3Duration
The grant is available for up to 12 months. The individual activities must be carried out within
this period. For the duration of the different activities, please refer to the following explanations.

IIFundable Components

To initiate international collaborations, applicants can request funding for the following components. These components can be combined if they are in close temporal relationship and if thisfacilitates especially effective preparation of a joint project.
1

Exploratory workshops (usually bilateral)
Workshops serve the purpose of exploring collaboration opportunities on a specific topic
with the proposed cooperation partners abroad or of preparing a specific joint project idea.
Workshops may take place either in Germany or abroad. Participants should generally holda doctoral degree; the total number of participants from Germany and the partner country
who may be funded is limited to 30. If the workshop takes place abroad, the number ofparticipants from the German institution is limited to 15.

In justified exceptional cases, individual guests from other countries can also be invited toattend exploratory workshops. However, please note that the maximum number of participants must still be observed.

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Kennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.de

DFG

DFG form 1.813 – 09/22

Page 4 of 12

As part of the component, applicants can request an allowance towards the total costs of
the workshop. This particularly includes travel and accommodation expenses for participants from Germany, the partner country and where applicable from other countries, as wellas the costs of organising the meetings.
2Project-related trips abroad
The DFG can provide funding for trips that are necessary for preparing a specific project.
Funding can be provided for trips abroad of up to three months in length.

In general, only researchers with at least a doctoral degree can be awarded funding for trips
abroad.
3

Project-related guest visits
If it is necessary for preparing your joint project, you can invite the proposed cooperation
partners from abroad (who generally have a doctoral degree) to spend a maximum of threemonths in Germany for this purpose. You can apply for funds for travel and maintenanceexpenses for this purpose.

Please note that the DFG will examine whether individual cost items must be covered byan international partner organisation due to agreements with that organisation. The DFG
will contact you if necessary.

If, in individual cases, the funds granted do not fully cover the costs, applicants must supplement the funding with their own funds or reduce the costs. It is not possible to apply for
additional funds from the DFG.

Deutsche ForschungsgemeinschaftKennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.de

DFG

DFG form 1.813 – 09/22

III

Page 5 of 12Obligations

In submitting a proposal to the DFG, you1.

agree to adhere to the principles of good research practice.1
The principles of good research practice include, among others: maintaining professional
standards, maintaining strict honesty with regard to one’s own contributions and those ofthird parties, documenting results and rigorously questioning all findings.

2.

recognise the DFG's Rules of Procedure for Dealing with Scientific Misconduct(Verfahrensordnung zum Umgang mit wissenschaftlichem Fehlverhalten – VerfOwF)2 as
legally binding.

In the event of scientific misconduct, sanctions may be imposed which are described ingreater detail below. Scientific misconduct is defined as the intentional and grossly negligent
statement of falsehoods in a scientific context, the violation of intellectual property rights orimpeding another person’s research work. The circumstances of each case will be considered on an individual basis. In cases where scientific misconduct has been established, theDFG may impose one or more of the following sanctions in accordance with its Rules ofProcedure, depending on the nature and severity of the scientific misconduct:▪

issuing a written reprimand to those involved;▪

exclusion from the right to apply for DFG funds for a period of one to eight years,
depending on the severity of the scientific misconduct;▪

revoking funding decisions (full or partial termination of the grant contract, demanding
repayment of funds spent);▪

demanding that those concerned either retract the discredited publications or correct
the falsified data (in particular by publishing an erratum), or appropriately indicate theDFG’s retraction of funding in the discredited publications;12

The principles of good research practice can be found in detail in the DFG Code of Conduct - Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice and in the Funding Guidelines: General Terms and Conditions of DFG Grants(DFG form 2.00).
DFG Rules of Procedure for Dealing with Scientific Misconduct, DFG form 80.01

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Kennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.deDFGDFG form 1.813 – 09/22▪

Page 6 of 12

exclusion from serving as a reviewer for a period of one to eight years, depending on
the severity of the scientific misconduct;▪

exclusion from membership in DFG bodies and committees for a period of one to eightyears, depending on the severity of the scientific misconduct;▪

denying voting rights and eligibility in elections for DFG bodies and committees for aperiod of one to eight years, depending on the severity of the scientific misconduct.

3.

agree to use the grant exclusively and in a targeted manner to realise the funded project.
The use and accounting of funds must conform to the relevant regulations of the DFG.

4.

agree to submit reports according to the dates specified in the award letter and to present
financial accounts to the DFG detailing the use of funds.

The DFG expects that the findings of the projects it funds be made available to the public.

The coordinator from Germany must submit a proposal for the proposed components and, if agrant is approved, is responsible towards the DFG for the funding transactions. Budget items
must be requested and managed in compliance with the relevant institution’s budget and accounting rules.

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Kennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.de

DFG

DFG form 1.813 – 09/22

IVPage 7 of 12

Data Protection

Please note the DFG’s data protection notice on research funding, which can be viewed anddownloaded at www.dfg.de/privacy_policy. If necessary, please also forward this information to
those individuals whose data will be processed by the DFG due to their involvement in your project.
www.dfg.de/privacy_policy

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Kennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.deDFGDFG form 1.813 – 09/22

Page 8 of 12

Proposal Preparation Instructions
These instructions apply to proposals to support the initiation of international collaboration.

A proposal consists of the following three parts:

A - Proposal Data and Obligations
B - Project Description
C - Appendices (always include one academic curriculum vitae per applicant as well as per cooperation partner with a list of the most important scientific results)

To complete an electronic proposal form, and to transmit your proposal data and related documents securely, please use elan, our electronic proposal processing system:
elan.dfg.de

Proposals can only be submitted via elan. They may be submitted either in German or in English.

AProposal Data and Obligations

Here you are asked to provide information on the initiation of the international collaboration andthe participating individuals, and to accept the required formal obligations. This information includes a summary of the proposal in German and in English.
Please enter this information via the DFG’s electronic proposal form provided in elan:
elan.dfg.de

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Kennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.de

DFG

DFG form 1.813 – 09/22

BPage 9 of 12

Project Description

For the description of your project, please use the appropriate template in German or English
provided in elan. Your project description may not exceed 10 pages in length.

Note the instructions below:
1

State of the art in the relevant subject area
Explain briefly and precisely the state of the art in your field in its direct relationship to yourproject. This description should make clear in which context you situate your own researchand in what areas you intend to make a unique, innovative, promising contribution. Please
describe the research area in which you seek to collaborate. Clearly separate your explanations of the activities to initiate collaboration from the actual research project you wish topursue. The description must be understandable without referring to additional literature.

2

Objectives and work programme

2.1

Anticipated total duration of collaborative activities and work programme
Please indicate what activities are planned over a 12-month period and include their individual durations.

2.2

Objectives
Give a brief general outline and the scientific/academic objectives of▪

the activities to initiate collaboration,▪

the targeted research topic.

Why does this require funding, and what is the specific objective of the activity? What added
value do you expect from the international cooperation?
2.2.1 Information on exploratory (generally bilateral) workshops (if applicable)
The following information is required:▪

List of participants from Germany and, if available, an overview of presentations(speakers, topics)▪

List of participants from abroad and, if available, an overview of presentations(speakers, topics)

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Kennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.de

DFG

DFG form 1.813 – 09/22▪

Page 10 of 12If, in exceptional cases, non-doctorate holders are to participate: special justificationof why this is necessary

2.2.2 Information on project-related guest visits and project-related trips abroad (if applicable)
The following information is required:▪

Research contributions by project participants in Germany and abroad (for eachtraveller or guest)▪

If, in exceptional cases, non-doctorate holders are to participate: special justificationof why this is necessary

3

Requested funds
Please enter and justify the requested amounts for the following components below for allparticipating individuals (stating last name, first name, country). Calculation of travel (travelexpenses, per diem and accommodation) should be based on the federal legal regulations
for travel costs or the state regulations according to the state in which the applicant works.

In the electronic form, enter only the total sum of requested funds.
3.1

Exploratory workshops (usually bilateral)
Indicate and justify the amount of funding requested.

3.2

Project-related trips abroad
Enter the number and length of the planned trips abroad during the funding period, as wellas the total amount of funding requested for trips abroad. State the foreign host, including
the person’s name, academic title and address of their institute (including e-mail address).
Explain why the stay is necessary to plan the project and state the anticipated costs foreach trip.

3.3

Project-related guest visits
Enter the amount of funding requested. Justify the amount with reference to the proposed
number of cooperation partners and the duration of their stay. Please note that honoraria
and remuneration are not eligible for funding.

Funds for participating in workshops, including as part of project-related guest visits or project-related trips abroad, must be requested through the exploratory workshops component.
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Kennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.de

DFG

DFG form 1.813 – 09/22

Page 11 of 124

Additional information

4.1

Financial contributions by the foreign partner organisation (if applicable)

5

Other submissions
If applicable, please list proposals for this project previously submitted to a third party.

6

Other information
Please use this space for additional information you feel is relevant which has not been
provided elsewhere.

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Kennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.deDFGDFG form 1.813 – 09/22

Page 12 of 12CAppendices▪

Letter of invitation from the host (for trips abroad and guest visits).
•An academic curriculum vitae for each applicant and cooperation partner, including a listof the most important scientific results. The template provided (DFG form 53.200) must be
used for this purpose.
www.dfg.de/formulare/53_200_elan

Please note the Guidelines for Publication Lists.
www.dfg.de/formulare/1_91

For proposals submitted electronically via elan, you will be asked to upload the required documents before submission. Please make sure that the security settings for the PDF documentsallow your documents to be read, copied and printed, and note the maximum size of 10 MB per
document.

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Kennedyallee 40 ∙ 53175 Bonn, Germany ∙ Postal address: 53170 Bonn, Germany
Tel.: + 49 228 885-1 ∙ Fax: + 49 228 885-2777 ∙ postmaster@dfg.de ∙ www.dfg.deDFG