# Joint Proposal Submission with Researchers Abroad under a Standing Open Procedure (SOP)

**Funder:** DFG
**Consortium:** Required — joint proposal with at least one researcher at a German institution and one foreign partner
**Application:** Single stage — submitted simultaneously to both funding organisations (two-sided review) or to the lead agency (lead agency procedure)
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/countries-regions/standing-open-procedures
**Last verified:** 1 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

German-based researchers may submit joint proposals with partners in Brazil, Colombia, India, Iran, Turkey, USA (two-sided review) or Austria, Belgium, Italy (South Tyrol), Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland (lead agency procedure). Applicant must be affiliated with a German institution. Complementary co-financing by the foreign partner organisation is required.

## Summary

This DFG Standing Open Procedure (SOP) funds joint research proposals between German institutions and eligible international partners, submitted continuously with no fixed deadline. The call covers two-sided review (with countries including Brazil, Colombia, India, Iran, Turkey, USA) and lead agency procedures (Austria, Belgium, and others), with funding contingent on approval by both partner organisations.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at German academic or research institutions
- Project teams with confirmed international partners in eligible SOP countries
- Researchers seeking bi-national funding via simultaneous two-sided or lead agency review
- Projects requiring coordination between German and foreign research groups

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, proposals may be submitted at any time
- Single-stage review: simultaneous submission to DFG and partner funder or to lead agency
- Call is continuous and ongoing

## Tips for applicants

- Confirm your international partner's country is listed in an active SOP agreement (two-sided review or lead agency track) before proposing; eligibility gates the entire application.
- Coordinate submission timing with your international partner, both sides must submit in sync; delays on either end block review.
- Two-sided review requires dual approval; build in extra time for cross-border administrative coordination between organisations.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the DFG Standing Open Procedure for international collaboration?

It is a continuous funding mechanism for joint proposals between German institutions and eligible international partners, reviewed simultaneously by both funders or through a lead agency.

### Which countries can I partner with under the DFG SOP?

Eligible partners depend on the procedure: two-sided review covers Brazil, Colombia, India, Iran, Turkey, USA; lead agency procedure covers Austria, Belgium, and others. Check the DFG website for the complete current list.

### Is there a deadline for DFG SOP submissions?

No, the SOP operates on a rolling deadline, proposals may be submitted at any time.

### How does DFG SOP funding work if my partner is approved but DFG is not?

Funding is contingent on approval by both the DFG and the partner organisation; one-sided approval does not release funds.

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