# NSF-DFG US-German Lead Agency Activity in Chemistry, Process Engineering, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics

**Funder:** DFG
**Consortium:** Required — German applicants apply to DFG, US applicants apply to NSF (lead agency arrangement)
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** DE, US
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/countries-regions/us-nsf-che-cbet
**Last verified:** 1 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Bilateral US-German collaboration call in chemistry, process engineering, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. German researchers apply to DFG; US researchers apply to NSF under a lead agency arrangement. Applicants must be based at eligible German (DFG) or US (NSF) institutions respectively.

## Summary

The NSF-DFG US-German Lead Agency Activity funds collaborative research teams bridging chemistry, process engineering, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. German applicants submit proposals to the DFG; US applicants submit to NSF (divisions CHE and CBET). The call requires a formal US-German research partnership, making it ideal for investigators seeking to leverage complementary expertise across the Atlantic.

## Who should apply

- US-based researchers in chemistry, chemical engineering, or fluid mechanics eligible for NSF (CHE/CBET) funding
- German-based researchers in the same disciplinary areas eligible for DFG support
- Research teams with established collaboration or clear joint research objectives across both countries
- Projects requiring complementary experimental or computational expertise from both US and German institutions

## Key dates

- First listed on Grantsby 22 May 2026; verify exact application deadline on NSF and DFG portals

## Tips for applicants

- US and German teams must submit simultaneously to their respective agencies (NSF CHE/CBET and DFG); coordinate proposal timelines carefully to meet both deadlines.
- Lead Agency rules mean each partner submits to their home funder; ensure both proposal narratives emphasise joint objectives and divided labour to demonstrate genuine collaboration rather than two separate projects.
- Clarify funding authority and intellectual property ownership upfront in your collaboration agreement, as DFG and NSF operate under different cost models and IP regimes.

## Frequently asked questions

### What disciplines does the NSF-DFG US-German Lead Agency Activity cover?

Chemistry, process engineering, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. US applicants apply through NSF divisions CHE and CBET; German applicants apply through DFG.

### Do I need a partner in the other country to apply?

Yes, the Lead Agency Activity requires a formal collaborative research team spanning both the US and Germany.

### Where do I submit my application?

US-based researchers submit to NSF (CHE or CBET); German-based researchers submit to the DFG. Both partners submit simultaneously to their respective agency.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-nsf-dfg-us-german-lead-agency-activity-in-chemistr-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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