# Infrastructure Priority Programme

**Funder:** DFG
**Deadline:** 16 September 2026 (Proposals via elan portal only; first-time DFG applicants must register by 9 September 2026)
**Duration:** 3 years (2027–2030)
**Application:** Optional preparatory workshop 8 May 2026 (project outline due 10 April 2026); full proposal deadline 16 September 2026; review winter 2026/2027; decision expected March 2027
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/news/news-topics/announcements-proposals/2026/ifr-26-17
**Last verified:** 6 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Second funding period (2027–2030) of SPP 2431 on new data spaces for social sciences. Open to researchers at German research institutions implementing DFG's Code of Conduct for Good Research Practice. Four research areas: data integration, respondent-driven designs, instrument validity, and multimodal data acquisition. Proposals submitted in German or English via elan portal.

## Summary

The Infrastructure Priority Programme funds research projects in the second funding period (2027-2030) of DFG's Strategic Priority Programme 2431 on new data spaces for social sciences. The call is open to researchers at German institutions across four research areas: data integration, respondent-driven designs, instrument validity, and multimodal data acquisition. This is a one-off call for the second funding cycle, with a three-year project duration and mandatory compliance with DFG's Code of Conduct for Good Research Practice.

## Who should apply

- Researchers employed at accredited German research institutions
- Teams working on data integration, respondent-driven designs, instrument validity, or multimodal data acquisition
- Researchers committed to DFG's Code of Conduct for Good Research Practice
- First-time DFG applicants must register in elan by 9 September 2026

## Key dates

- Full proposal deadline 16 September 2026 via elan portal; first-time applicants must register by 9 September 2026
- Optional preparatory workshop 8 May 2026; project outline due 10 April 2026
- Three-year funding period 2027-2030; decision expected March 2027

## Tips for applicants

- Register in elan well before the 9 September deadline if this is your first DFG application; late registrations risk missing the proposal submission window.
- The preparatory workshop on 8 May is optional but valuable for alignment with SPP 2431 priorities; use the April project outline to refine your fit to one of the four research areas.
- Submit in German or English; DFG panels are multilingual, but clarity in either language is critical, avoid translations of technical terms that obscure your methodological intent.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the Infrastructure Priority Programme funding for?

It funds research projects in the second funding period of DFG's Strategic Priority Programme 2431 on new data spaces for the social sciences, across four research areas: data integration, respondent-driven designs, instrument validity, and multimodal data acquisition.

### Who is eligible for the Infrastructure Priority Programme?

Researchers employed at accredited German research institutions who comply with DFG's Code of Conduct for Good Research Practice.

### What is the deadline for the Infrastructure Priority Programme?

Full proposal deadline is 16 September 2026 via the elan portal; first-time DFG applicants must register by 9 September 2026.

### How long is the funding period?

Projects run for three years, from 2027 to 2030.

### Is there a preparatory stage?

An optional preparatory workshop runs on 8 May 2026, with a project outline due 10 April 2026; participation is recommended but not mandatory.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-infrastructure-priority-programme-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.