# DFG Heisenberg Programme

**Funder:** DFG
**Budget:** Position/professorship + research costs, up to 5 years
**Duration:** Up to 5 years
**Consortium:** No — single PI
**Application:** Single-stage (rolling)
**Frequency:** Continuous (no fixed deadline)
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/individual/heisenberg
**Last verified:** 19 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

DFG Heisenberg supports established researchers who have qualified for a professorship (habilitation or equivalent) to continue at a German institution — the senior career bridge above Emmy Noether. Excludes existing permanent W2/W3 professors.

## Summary

The DFG Heisenberg Programme funds established researchers who have qualified for a professorship (e.g. through habilitation) to continue research at a German institution, with support up to €1.5 million over five years for position and research costs. This is the senior career bridge above Emmy Noether, intended to retain accomplished researchers before they secure a permanent W2/W3 professor position. Proposals are accepted at any time on a rolling basis.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with habilitation or equivalent qualification
- Applicants seeking an independent research position at a German institution
- Established researchers not yet holding a permanent W2 or W3 professor post
- Single-PI research teams with German institutional affiliation

## Key dates

- Continuous rolling submission, no fixed deadline
- Single-stage evaluation
- Up to five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Proposals are evaluated competitively even on rolling deadlines; strong data and clear independence from mentors are essential.
- Align your career timeline with German professorship expectations and institutional hiring roadmaps.
- Position sustainability beyond the five-year Heisenberg window in your proposal narrative, reviewers screen for long-term independence.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the DFG Heisenberg Programme provide?

Up to €1.5 million over five years, covering position and research costs.

### Who is eligible for the DFG Heisenberg Programme?

Researchers who have qualified for a professorship (e.g. through habilitation) and are employed at a German institution, excluding those already in permanent W2 or W3 posts.

### Is there a deadline for the DFG Heisenberg Programme?

No fixed deadline, proposals are accepted at any time on a rolling basis for continuous evaluation.

### Can I apply if I already have a permanent professor position?

No, the Heisenberg Programme is open only to researchers not yet holding a permanent W2 or W3 professorship.

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

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