Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
German Research Foundation

EnglishBuilding Links
to Academic Researchin Germany
Funding Opportunities forInternational Cooperation

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

About UsDFG Offices Abroad

German Research Foundation

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German
Research Foundation) is the largest self-governing
funding organisation for basic research in Germany
and in Europe.
With an annual budget of roughly 3.6 billion euros, provided
primarily by the German federal and state governments, theDFG promotes the advancement of science and the humanities by funding research projects and facilitating cooperation
among researchers. The DFG supports approximately 32,000
individual and coordinated research projects that have been
selected through a rigorous peer-review process.
The DFG’s mandate also includes encouraging the advancement of early career researchers, promoting gender equality
in the German scientific and academic communities, providing scientific policy advice, and fostering relations with theprivate sector and between scientists and academics in Germany and abroad. The DFG’s member organisations include
research universities, major non-university research institutions, such as the Max Planck Society, the Fraunhofer Society,and the Leibniz Association, the Academies of Sciences andHumanities, and a number of scientific associations.

International Representationofthe DFGDFG Office North America DC
DFG Office Japan1130 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite
1200 Washington, DC 20036, USA
northamerica@dfg.de
www.dfg.de/northamerica

37-5-56 Akasaka, Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
japan@dfg.de,www.dfg.de/japan/en

DFG Office North America NY

DFG Office Latin America
c/o German House of Science
NY 10017, USA
and Innovation► To promote research collaboration
northamerica@dfg.de
R. Verbo Divino, 1488
www.dfg.de/northamerica
CEP:information
04719-904 São Paulo – SP, Brazil►
To foster the exchange of scientificsaopaulo@dfg.de►
ToOfficebuildNorth
andAmerica
maintain
network of professional
DFG
SF an extensive
www.dfg.de/latinamerica
101contacts
Montgomery Street, Suite 1900
San Francisco, CA 94104, USA
Sino-German Center► To organise bilateral symposia and workshops
northamerica@dfg.de,for Research Promotion
www.dfg.de/northamerica►
To serve as information centres Shuangqing Lu 83, Haidian District
Beijing 100085, China► To maintain and extend contacts with current DFG fellowship
DFG Office India
china@dfg.de
21,holders
Jor Bagh andColonyalumni
Road,
http://sinogermanscience.dfg.nsfc.cn/de
110 003 New Delhi, India► To cooperate with other funding organisationsindia@dfg.de
www.dfg.de/india►
To analyse research policy developments
871 UN Plaza,aims:
15th Floor New York,
CommonInternational Representation of the DFG

Moscow(2003–2022)

San Francisco New York
Washington

BeijingTokyo

New DelhiSão Paulo”International cooperation in science-led
research is crucial for apeaceful, knowledgedriven world.”

DFG-President
Prof. Katja Beckerin front of the UN Headquaters, New York CityThe DFG is a member of German Centres for Research and Innovation (DWIH) boardof trustees. The DWIH increase the visibility of German innovation leaders around theworld, raise awareness of the German science, research and innovation landscape,advise scientists in Germany and the host countries, and connect actors at the local
level. DFG is highly engaged in all six DWIH, i.e. in New York, San Francisco, SãoPaulo, New Delhi, Tokyo and Moscow (even though the DFG office is no longer inoperation).

Funding International ResearchInternational Research Funding
Options at a Glance

The DFG enables cross-border cooperation between
researchers and supports collaboration with international partners throughout the complete DFG funding
portfolio. The DFG also has many joint calls for cooperative research projects with partner organizations
in Europe and beyond.
►www.dfg.de/announcements_proposals

Special Programmes

DFG support for projects with international partners is
generally based on the principle of mutual responsibility.
Researchers working in Germany apply to the DFG, while
their partners abroad apply for funding at their respective
partner organisations.

► Initiation of International Collaboration► Scientific Networks

Project Proposals by Individuals► Research Grants Programme/

Temporary Position Module► Emmy Noether Programme► Heisenberg Programme

The DFG offers funding for both individual and collaborative
research projects. Approximately 36 percent of all DFG funds
are allocated to the Individual Research Grants Programme.
Under this programme, any researcher holding a doctorate
is eligible to apply for funding for a proposed research
project to be carried out at a German university.

Collaborative Institutional Proposals

The DFG´s coordinated programmes involve more than one
principal investigator and promote cooperation throughnational and international collaboration by concentrating
resources and integrating partners from outside theuniversity.

Finding Cooperation Possibilitiesin Germany

The programmes outlined in this brochure are just a few of the DFG´smany funding opportunities.

►www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/programmes► International Research Training Groups (IRTG)► Collaborative Research Centres (CRC)► Clusters of Excellence (EXC)► GEPRIS► GERiT► Research in Germany

Special Programmes

Initiation of International Collaboration

Scientific Networks

In order to initiate international cooperative projects or joint
proposals, the DFG provides funding for preparatory trips
and/or workshops through this programme. Applications are
submitted by the German partner.

Scientific Networks generally consist of 10 to 20 researchers
who seek to engage in multi-year scientific exchange andcooperation on a research topic of their choice across locations
with a specific objective. The programme is open to researchers
at all career stages and promotes national and international
networking.

Support► Funding for incoming and/or outgoing short
research visits► Funding for costs related to a workshop► Cost categories may be co-financed by a foreign
partner organisation if an appropriate agreement
existsDuration► Max. 3 months for research visits; all activities,
such as joint workshops, must take place within
a 12-month period
More information► Proposals may be submitted at any time.
We recommend to apply for funds no later thansix months before the planned start of the project.
► www.dfg.de/international

Additional funding to enable cooperative research projects with scientists
in developing countries can be applied for in all DFG programmes.
►www.dfg.de/coop_developing_countries

Members of the network must not all belong to the same
research institution. Up to half of the members may be based
in research systems outside Germany.
Who can apply► Researchers in Germany, or those working at a
German research institution abroad
Support► Funding may include travel costs, publication expenses,
support for meetings and coordination
Duration► 3 years
More information► www.dfg.de/scientific_networks

Project Proposals
by Individuals
The DFG offers funding for both individual andcollaborative research projects. Approximately 35 percent of all DFG funds are allocated to the Individual
Research Grants Programme. Under this programme,
any researcher holding a doctorate is eligible to apply
for funding for a proposed research project to be
carried out at a German university.

Research Grants Programme
The research grant enables scientists and academics to carryout a research project on a specifically defined topic within alimited time period. It is the most ﬂexible grant programme
and it has no submission deadline. In many cases, thisprogramme can be used to fund the German side of an international collaborative project.
Support► Funding may include staff, consumables, lab
equipment, publication costs, travel expenses andallowance for visiting researchers from abroad
Duration► Up to 3 years with the possibilityof a renewal for up to 3 years
More information► www.dfg.de/research_grants
Additional funding to enable cooperative research
projects with scientists in developing countries
can be applied for in the Research Grants Programme.
► www.dfg.de/coop_developing_countries

Temporary Position Module
Special case: Research Grants with Temporary Position for Principal Investigators
This module includes funding for a position (i.e. a salary) for foreign researchers
to come to Germany for a self-structured research project. It offers a special
option for researchers as they can apply for this programme from inside oroutside Germany. Projects funded within this programme line must be locatedat German (host) institutions. The support and commitment of these institutions
is mandatory for a proposal.

Mercator Fellows
Fellowships enable intensive, long-term, project-based
collaboration between researchers from both domestic
and foreign institutions. German researchers apply for
the Mercator Module to include their foreign partners.
Although Mercator Fellows are on-site for only part ofthe project, they remain in contact with the project teammembers once their research stay is over. Foreign Mercator
Fellowship holders are awarded the title of Mercator Fellows
in recognition of their dedication.
Mercator Fellowships can be applied
for within the following programmes:► Research Grants Programme► Emmy Noether Programme► Research Training Groups► Collaborative Research Centres► Further programmes – see www.dfg.de/en
Support► In addition to an allowance to cover travel expenses,
fellows may receive a salary for their work.
The amount depends on the fellows’ qualifications;
it may not exceed the level of the personnel cost
category for professors.
Duration► Usually between 6 to 12 months

Project Proposals by Individuals (cont.)
Emmy Noether Programme

Heisenberg Programme

The Emmy Noether Programme enables outstanding early
career researchers to rapidly qualify for leading positions inscience and research or for a university teaching career byheading an Emmy Noether Group and assuming relevantteaching duties.

The Heisenberg Programme enables advanced researchers tocarry on with high-quality research at an institution of choice
to prepare for a future senior academic role and continuebuilding an academic reputation. Under the Heisenberg Programme, applicants can select between the following four
funding types or combine them during a five-year funding
period:► Heisenberg Professorship► Heisenberg Position► Heisenberg Temporary Substitute for Clinicians► Heisenberg Fellowship

Who can apply► Excellent researchers in early career phasesfrom all disciplines with postdoctoral experienceof at least 2 years and normally up to 4 years(medical researchers: up to 6 years) and with
substantial international research experience► Foreign applicants are eligible if they intend tocontinue their scientific career in Germany
Support► Funding for an Emmy Noether Group including
expenses for personnel and consumables
Duration► 6 years
More information► www.dfg.de/emmy_noether/en

Who can apply► Outstanding researchers who qualify for a professorship by holding a habilitation or equivalent qualification► Tenured faculty members are not eligible to apply
Support► Professorship: Salary equivalent to the professor
level in Germany, flexible research funding► Position: Salary equivalent to a junior researchgroup leader position, flexible research funding► Temporary Substitute for Clinicians: Funding
for a replacement, flexible research funding► Fellowship: Fellowship grant, allowance for direct
project costs
Duration► Max. 5 years
More information► www.dfg.de/heisenberg/en

Project Proposals by Individuals (cont.)
Walter Benjamin Programme
The Walter Benjamin Programme enables researchers in the
postdoctoral training phase to independently conduct theirown research project for the purpose of fostering their scientific mobility and thematic development.
The project can be carried out at a research institution inGermany (Walter Benjamin Position) and/or abroad (Walter
Benjamin Fellowship); scientifically guided by an experienced
colleague who provides the applicant with academic support.
Who can apply► Postdoctoral researchers in the early stagesof their career. The guideline is the EU
definition of “recognised researcher” (R2), to be
developed according to the specific subject area.
► Application is possible once the doctoral thesis has
been submitted to the examination office.
Support► The position amount is made up of the
remuneration for the applicant and a standard
monthly allowance for direct project costs.
► The fellowship amount is made up of the basic 			allowance, a standard monthly allowance for direct
project costs and a foreign allowance (dependingon the chosen country). The host institution is
expected to provide you with a workplace and the
additional funds necessary to carry out the project.
Duration► Max. 2 years
More information► www.dfg.de/walter_benjamin/enCollaborative Institutional Proposals
The DFG’s coordinated programmes involve more than
one PI and promote cooperation through national andinternational collaboration by concentrating resources
and integrating partners from outside the university.

International Research Training Groups (IRTGs)
IRTGs provide opportunities for joint doctoral training programmes between German universities and universities abroad.
Who can apply► To establish an IRTG, 5–10 faculty members are neededon each side (Germany, abroad) who want to collaborate
on an interdisciplinary research focus with a joint
programme► Once the IRTG is established, doctoral researchers andpostdocs apply directly to the programme
Support► IRTGs offer funding to doctoral researchers, postdocs,
visiting researchers, and research students, and cover
expenses for travel, workshops, small equipment,
consumables, coordination, etc.
Duration► Max. 9 years with two funding periods (5 and 4 years)► 4-year terms for doctoral positions, including stays
between 6 and 12 months at partner institutions
Preparatory Workshops► Prior consultation with DFG Head Office recommended► Funding for a preparatory workshop can be applied forMore information► www.dfg.de/gk/en

Collaborative Research Centres (CRC)
CRC are established at universities for a period of up to 12
years and enable researchers to pursue an outstanding
research programme, crossing the boundaries of disciplines,
institutes, departments and faculties.
Who can apply► Up to three German universities submit a proposal toestablish a long-term university-based research institution► Once the CRC is established, doctoral researchers,
postdocs and senior researchers can apply directly tothe programme
Support► Travel, colloquia and Mercator Fellowships for the
purposes of maintaining international contacts andpresenting findings to an international audience► Additional funding to develop project-like collaborative
structures, including long-term cooperation projects
with comparable centres abroad► Scientists and academics can also lead projects within
the CRC abroad; funding is usually provided by aninternational partner organisation
Duration► Max. 12 years (three 4-year funding periods) for
Collaborative Research Centres
More information► www.dfg.de/sfb/en

Mercator Fellow
Position in project
Position in projectStudent assistantin project
Collaborative
Research Centres

Position in project

Mercator Fellow
Position in project
Research Training
Group fellowshipStudent assistantin projectInternational ResearchTraining Groups

Position in project

Mercator Fellow
Position in project
Position in projectStudent assistantin project
Initiation of International Cooperation

Position in project

Principal investigator/
Mercator Fellow
Principal investigator
Position in projectStudent assistantin project
Research Grant

Principal investigator

Position in projectStudent assistantin project
Heisenberg

Emmy Noether

Position in project

Junior research groupleaderMercator Fellow

Heisenberg Professor

Heisenberg Fellow

Senior Researcher
Early Career Researcher
Postdoc
Doctorate
BA/MA

Who can apply► Clusters of Excellence are applied for by universities
or university consortia by submitting a proposal andare formed by up to 25 principle investigators withthe aim of collaborating in a specific research field► International individual and/or institutions 		
such as external researchers, non-university research
institutions, other higher education institutions and 		also institutions from the private sector or other sectorsof society can be involved as cooperation partners► Once the EXC is established, researchers can apply 		
directly to the programme
Support► Staff directly employed in the project such as
new professorships, heads of independent juniorresearch groups, doctoral researchers, postdocs andresearch students, as well as consumables, publication
expenses, small instrumentation etc.
► Travel, colloquia and visiting researchers for the purposesof creating and maintaining international contacts, 		
attract international staff and presenting findings to aninternational audience
Duration► Max. 14 years (two 7-year funding periods) for Clusters
of Excellence
More information► www.dfg.de/excellence_strategy

The DFG offers researchers appropriate funding options at each career stage

Clusters of Excellence is a funding line by the German federal
and state governments within the Excellence Strategy programme to further strengthen the international competitiveness of research at German universities through project-based
funding for a period of up to 14 years.

www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/research_careers/index.html

Clusters of Excellence (EXC)

Programmes by Career Stage

Collaborative Institutional Proposals (cont.)Finding Cooperation
Possibilities in Germany
Looking for general information and guidelines for
DFG funding programmes?
► www.dfg.de/en/research_funding► www.dfg.de/en/funded_projects
Interested in finding out more about our peer review
and selection process?
► www.dfg.de/proposal_process
Looking to find current DFG-funded projects withinyour field of interest?
► www.dfg.de/en/gepris
GEPRIS (German Project Information System) is an online
database made available by the DFG to provide information
on current DFG-funded research projects.
Looking for partners to cooperate with in Germany?
► www.gerit.org/en
GERiT is an information portal on German research institutions provided by the DFG in partnership with the German
Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK).

Interested in further information about the German
Research Landscape?
► www.research-in-germany.org
The initiative “Research in Germany – Land of Ideas” waslaunched by the German Federal Ministry of Education andResearch (BMBF) in 2006 to promote Germany worldwide
as an outstanding research location. It presents Germany asa country of research and innovation and creates a forum
for international cooperation. The “Research in Germany”
website provides detailed information on PhD, research,funding and collaboration opportunities in Germany.

DFG Berlin Office
WissenschaftsForum
Markgrafenstraße 37
10117 Berlin, Germany
berlin@dfg.de
www.dfg.de/berlin_office
Announcements and Proposals
www.dfg.de/announcements_proposals

Illustrations: Adobe Stock Photos, Schneider/DFG, Anna Kulow, Staatsbibliothek/C. Topp, Jacob Müller, Landeshauptarchiv Koblenz,
Christoph Heubeck, Matthias Egeler ; September 2023

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
German Research Foundation
Kennedyallee 40 · 53175 Bonn, Germany
Phone: + 49 228 885-1
Fax:+ 49 228 885-2777
postmaster@dfg.de
www.dfg.de

Design: Tim Wübben, DFG

Contact