# Infrastructure Priority Programme – Antarctic Research with Comparative Investigations in Arctic Ice Areas (SPP 1158)

**Funder:** DFG
**Deadline:** 2 November 2026 (Proposals must be submitted via elan by 2 November 2026; elan registration deadline 26 October 2026. Coordination workshop attendance (28–30 Sep 2026, Rostock) mandatory for new and renewal applicants.)
**Duration:** Up to 3 years
**Application:** Single stage — full proposal submitted via elan; attendance at coordination workshop (28–30 Sep 2026) mandatory for applicants
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/news/news-topics/announcements-proposals/2026/ifr-26-44
**Last updated:** 2 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to researchers at German universities, universities of applied sciences, and research institutions. Proposals must be written in English and submitted via the DFG elan portal. Focuses on four Antarctic research topics (climate dynamics, environmental change, polar connectivity, polar processes). Projects with geological questions must address Antarctic history ≤34 million years. Partner infrastructure (e.g. AWI) required for Antarctic access.

## Summary

The DFG Infrastructure Priority Programme (SPP 1158) funds collaborative polar research projects up to three years in duration at German institutions, focusing on Antarctic and Arctic ice dynamics across climate, environmental change, connectivity, and process themes. Researchers from universities and public research institutions in Germany may apply with proposals addressing comparative investigations between polar regions. The call is annual; attendance at a mandatory coordination workshop in September 2026 is required before submission.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at German universities, universities of applied sciences, or public research institutions
- Teams conducting comparative Antarctic, Arctic investigations in climate, environmental response, or ice-system themes
- Applicants willing to attend the mandatory coordination workshop (28-30 September 2026, Rostock)
- Researchers with geological focus must address Antarctic records from the past 34 million years

## Key dates

- Mandatory coordination workshop 28-30 September 2026 (registration deadline 9 August 2026)
- elan registration deadline 26 October 2026; proposal deadline 2 November 2026
- Up to three-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Attendance at the coordination workshop is mandatory for both new and renewal proposals, budget travel and confirm participation early.
- Proposals must be written in English and submitted via elan; verify your elan account registration well before the 26 October deadline to avoid technical delays.
- Emphasise the comparative polar angle explicitly; panels assess how Antarctic and Arctic data strengthen each other within your theme.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply to the DFG SPP 1158 Antarctic and Arctic Research programme?

Researchers based at German universities, universities of applied sciences, and public research institutions may apply. Proposals must address comparative investigations between Antarctic and Arctic regions.

### What is the deadline for the DFG SPP 1158?

The proposal deadline is 2 November 2026; elan registration must be completed by 26 October 2026. Attendance at the mandatory coordination workshop (28-30 September 2026) is required beforehand.

### How long can a DFG SPP 1158 project last?

Projects may run for up to three years.

### Is the coordination workshop attendance mandatory?

Yes, all new and renewal applicants must attend the coordination workshop in Rostock (28-30 September 2026); workshop registration closes 9 August 2026.

### What are the research themes for DFG SPP 1158?

The programme focuses on climate system dynamics, environmental change response, polar connectivity, and polar processes across Antarctic and Arctic regions.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-infrastructure-priority-programme-antarctic-resear-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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