# Global Minds in DFG Consortia – Mercator Fellows Global

**Funder:** DFG
**Budget:** Up to €650,000 for total period of residence
**Deadline:** 8 December 2026 (12:00 noon; letter of intent deadline, mandatory before full proposal (due 27 January 2027))
**Duration:** 5 years (fellow on-site 15–36 months total)
**Consortium:** Required — proposal must be submitted jointly by the applicant institution(s) of a currently funded EXC, FIP, RTG or CRC/TRR host consortium
**Application:** 2-stage: mandatory letter of intent (8 December 2026, 12:00 noon) → full proposal (27 January 2027, 12:00 noon)
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/news/news-topics/announcements-proposals/2026/ifr-26-69
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds German consortia (EXC, RI, RTG, CRC/TRR) to integrate an outstanding experienced researcher currently working abroad as a long-term fellow with extended residence periods in Germany, without requiring permanent relocation. Proposal must be in English; funding starts 2028.

## Summary

Global Minds in DFG Consortia, Mercator Fellows Global offers up to €650,000 over five years for established DFG research consortia (Clusters of Excellence, FIP, RTGs or CRC/TRRs) to integrate an outstanding researcher currently based abroad as a long-term Mercator Fellow. The fellow spends 15-36 months in Germany over the five-year period without permanently relocating, and the proposal must come jointly from the host institution and the consortium in agreement with the recruited researcher. This is a one-off call, with funding starting in 2028.

## Who should apply

- German higher education institutions hosting a funded EXC, FIP, RTG or CRC/TRR consortium
- Outstanding researchers currently based abroad willing to spend extended periods in Germany
- Consortium leaders seeking long-term international integration without requiring full relocation
- Joint applicant teams combining the host institution and the recruited researcher

## Key dates

- Mandatory letter of intent due 8 December 2026, 12:00 noon
- Full proposal due 27 January 2027, 12:00 noon
- Five-year project with the fellow on-site for 15-36 months total; funding starts 2028

## Tips for applicants

- The letter of intent is mandatory and gates entry to the full proposal, treat the December deadline as the real deadline, not a formality.
- Frame the application around how the fellow's extended but non-permanent residence strengthens the existing EXC, FIP, RTG or CRC/TRR consortium, not as a standalone individual grant.
- Write the proposal in English and secure explicit agreement from the recruited researcher before submission, since the application must be joint.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the DFG Mercator Fellows Global grant provide?

Up to €650,000 over the five-year project duration.

### Who can apply for Mercator Fellows Global?

German higher education institutions hosting a funded DFG consortium (Cluster of Excellence, FIP, RTG or CRC/TRR), applying jointly with a researcher they want to recruit from abroad.

### Does the Mercator Fellow have to relocate to Germany permanently?

No, the fellow retains their position abroad and spends 15-36 months in Germany spread across the five-year period.

### What is the application process for this grant?

It is two-stage: a mandatory letter of intent due 8 December 2026, followed by a full proposal due 27 January 2027.

### When does funding start for Mercator Fellows Global?

Funding begins in 2028.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-global-minds-in-dfg-consortia-mercator-fellows-glo-2026-12) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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