# Centres for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences

**Funder:** DFG
**Duration:** Up to 8 years
**Application:** Multi-stage: draft proposal → revised draft application
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/coordinated-programmes/humanities-centres
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds distinguished researchers (typically 2–3 principal investigators) to collaborate on a broadly defined humanities or social sciences topic at a specific German site, including a fellow programme for visiting researchers from Germany and abroad for up to 2 years. No specific thematic or interdisciplinary requirement. Host institution must be in Germany.

## Summary

DFG Centres for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences funds distinguished research groups (typically 2-3 principal investigators) to establish collaborative hubs at German institutions, working on broadly defined humanities or social sciences topics over up to eight years. The programme includes a built-in visiting fellow scheme for researchers from Germany and abroad, supporting placements of up to two years. No specific thematic focus is required; the call welcomes interdisciplinary and single-discipline projects alike.

## Who should apply

- Established research leaders with a track record of productive collaboration
- Teams of 2-3 principal investigators from humanities or social sciences
- Researchers based at German universities or research institutions
- Projects with a clearly defined intellectual scope and venue

## Key dates

- Multi-stage process: draft proposal → revised draft application (consult DFG website for current call details)
- Up to eight-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Draft proposals are evaluated competitively; clarity about the intellectual rationale and collaborative structure is critical at this stage.
- The visiting fellow programme is a core feature, explicitly describe how it enhances your centre's intellectual mission and regional profile.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the DFG Centres for Advanced Studies programme?

It funds distinguished research groups (typically 2-3 PIs) to establish collaborative hubs at German sites in humanities and social sciences, supported by a visiting fellow scheme for 2-year placements.

### How long can a DFG Centre for Advanced Studies run?

Up to eight years per funding period.

### Can I apply as a single researcher to the DFG Centres scheme?

No, the programme is designed for teams of 2-3 principal investigators collaborating on a shared intellectual agenda.

### Are thematic or disciplinary restrictions placed on DFG Centres?

No, the call welcomes any humanities or social sciences topic, including interdisciplinary projects.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-centres-for-advanced-studies-in-humanities-and-soc-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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