German Research Foundation (DFG)

The DFG supports young scientists at all stages of their career. This is achieved through individual funding, primarily in the form of 'research grants', which can also be used to apply for a 'Temporary Position for Principal Investigators'. These positions enable national and international researchers to focus exclusively on their proposed research projects at a German research institution. Funding is available at every stage of one's career, from doctoral level onwards. Those submitting their 'first application' to the DFG receive special support and are encouraged to consult the DFG's Tips for your proposal.

The Emmy Noether Programme gives exceptionally qualified early career researchers the chance to qualify for the post of professor at a university by leading an independent junior research group for a period of six years.

The programme is open to postdocs and junior professors with temporary contracts who are at an early stage in their research careers. Holders of a junior professorship with a positive interim evaluation are no longer included in the target group for this programme, and are not eligible to submit proposals or receive funding.

The DFG would like to point out to not attach any endorsements from third parties to your proposal. Only the information provided in the proposal will be reviewed and evaluated. To make sure all applicants receive equal treatment, endorsements are not passed on to reviewers or decision-making bodies.

The Walter Benjamin Programme enables researchers in the postdoctoral training phase to independently conduct their own, autonomous research project at a location of their choice. The program serves to promote early scientific careers and aims to support the mobility and thematic development that are crucial in this career phase. a change from the previous institution is usually a requirement.

Only postdoctoral researchers at an early career phase are eligible to apply to this programme. The project may not be based at an entity that is for-profit or that does not permit the publication of findings in a generally accessible form.

Type and extent of funding depend on the choice of module. Abroad, funding is provided as a fellowship, whereas in Germany, as a position under the staff category “postdoctoral researcher and comparable”. Combining both is also possible.

Special provisions for the Walter Benjamin fellowship (abroad):

Funding abroad can only be provided if researchers are integrated into Germany’s academic research system. This is the case if, immediately prior to submitting a proposal, they have worked as a researcher in Germany for a continuous period of at least three years during their doctoral and/or postdoctoral phase.

If researchers are already based abroad, funding can be provided abroad if they have completed the majority of their schooling and higher education in Germany and, as of proposal time, have not spent more than three years abroad for research purposes after completing their doctorate in Germany or abroad.

Furthermore, they must not have worked longer than one year at the host institution selected for the Walter Benjamin fellowship as of proposal time.

If you already meet all the requirements for appointment to a permanent professorship, you can apply to the Heisenberg Programme. While you prepare for a future senior academic role, the DFG provides funding to enable you to carry on with high-quality research at the institution of your choice and continue building your academic reputation.

The Heisenberg Programme is directed primarily at those researchers who have qualified for professorship via the Emmy Noether Programme, leadership of a junior research group, DFG project staff positions, private-sector research or mid-level faculty positions. The target group also includes junior professors who have received positive evaluations, those who have achieved their habilitation or an equivalent qualification, and German researchers returning from abroad, as well as appropriately qualified foreign researchers looking to pursue careers in Germany.

Four types of funding are available within the Heisenberg Programme:

• Heisenberg position
• Heisenberg temporary substitute position for clinicians
• Heisenberg professorship
• Heisenberg fellowship

Once you have been accepted to the Heisenberg Programme, you can select between the four funding types or combine them during the five-year funding period.

The DFG would like to point out to not attach any endorsements from third parties to your proposal. Only the information provided in the proposal will be reviewed and evaluated. To make sure all applicants receive equal treatment, endorsements are not passed on to reviewers or decision-making bodies.

• DFG: Individual Grants Programmes
• Individual Grants Programmes – A How-To Guide
• Tips for your Proposal
• FAQ: Temporary Positions for Principal Investigators
• FAQ: Emmy Noether Programme
• FAQ: Heisenberg Programme
• FAQ: Walter-Benjamin-Programme
• DFG Notes on Submitting Proposals for Heisenberg Programme
• DFG Notes on Submitting Proposals in the Walter-Benjamin-Programme