# DFG-ISF Lead Agency Procedure (Israel Science Foundation)

**Funder:** DFG
**Consortium:** Required — bilateral research projects between German and Israeli researchers
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** DE, IL
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/countries-regions/il-isf
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Lead agency procedure between DFG and Israel Science Foundation (ISF) for bilateral research projects. German researchers apply to DFG; Israeli researchers apply to ISF simultaneously.

## Summary

The DFG-ISF Lead Agency Procedure funds bilateral research projects between German and Israeli researchers, with each applying simultaneously to their respective national funder (DFG or ISF). Proposals can be submitted at any time on a rolling basis. This mechanism is ideal for collaborative teams seeking to bridge research communities across the two countries.

## Who should apply

- German and Israeli research teams with a established or planned collaboration
- Researchers at universities or publicly funded research institutions in Germany and Israel
- Projects spanning any research discipline supported by DFG and ISF
- Teams comfortable with coordinated, simultaneous applications to both funders

## Key dates

- Rolling submission, no fixed deadline; proposals accepted continuously
- Each applicant submits to their national agency (Germans to DFG, Israelis to ISF) in parallel

## Tips for applicants

- Coordinate submission timing carefully with your Israeli partner; both applications must arrive within a narrow window for joint evaluation.
- Each funder assesses their respective applicant independently using their own criteria, so tailor the proposal sections to each agency's expectations.
- The lead agency mechanism requires a single bilateral project plan; include a clear joint research statement and budget breakdown between German and Israeli components.

## Frequently asked questions

### How does the DFG-ISF Lead Agency Procedure work?

German researchers apply to DFG and Israeli researchers apply to ISF simultaneously with the same bilateral project. Each funder evaluates their respective applicant; if both are approved, the collaboration proceeds with parallel funding.

### Can I apply to the DFG-ISF Lead Agency Procedure as a single researcher?

No, the procedure requires a bilateral partnership, a German research team and an Israeli research team working on a joint project.

### When is the deadline for DFG-ISF Lead Agency proposals?

There is no fixed deadline; proposals can be submitted at any time on a rolling basis, but both German and Israeli partners must submit within a coordinated window.

### Which research fields are eligible for the DFG-ISF Lead Agency Procedure?

Any discipline supported by both DFG and ISF is eligible; check both funders' portfolios to confirm your field is covered.

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