# NWO-DFG Lead Agency Procedure – Dutch-German Basic Research Projects (NWO Domain Science – DFG Research Grants)

**Funder:** DFG
**Duration:** Up to 36 months
**Consortium:** Required — at least one German-based and one Dutch-based principal investigator
**Application:** Single stage: coordinating applicant submits to Lead Agency; co-applicant submits copy to Partner Agency within 5–7 working days
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Next round:** 2026-07
**Eligible countries:** DE, NL
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/countries-regions/nl-nwo
**Last verified:** 1 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Joint Dutch-German basic research projects via Lead Agency Procedure. Scope: NWO Domain Science areas (Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics) and corresponding DFG review boards. Requires at least one PI at a German institution and one at a Dutch institution. German non-university research institution members must fulfil Kooperationspflicht with a German university. Max 36 months duration.

## Summary

The NWO-DFG Lead Agency Procedure funds collaborative basic research projects between Dutch and German researchers for up to 36 months. Applicants must form a consortium with at least one principal investigator based in the Netherlands and one in Germany, working in disciplines covered by NWO Domain Science (Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics). The pilot phase runs continuously until 30 July 2027, with a new NWO-led call expected in June/July 2026; DFG-led submissions remain open throughout.

## Who should apply

- Principal investigators based at universities or eligible research institutions in the Netherlands and Germany
- Researchers in astronomy, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, life sciences, mathematics, or physics
- Teams ready to establish formal consortium partnerships across borders
- German applicants from non-university research institutes must have a Kooperationspflicht agreement with a German university

## Key dates

- DFG-led submissions: open continuously until 30 July 2027 (pilot phase)
- NWO-led submissions: new call expected June/July 2026 (previous 2025-2026 round is closed)
- Project duration: up to 36 months

## Tips for applicants

- Coordinate submission timing carefully: the coordinating applicant submits to the Lead Agency, and the co-applicant must submit a copy to the Partner Agency within 5-7 working days, delays here can invalidate the application.
- Check your institution's eligibility and any required Kooperationspflicht agreements before committing to the collaboration; non-university German institutes face additional documentation.
- Confirm which agency will lead your submission (DFG or NWO) well before the deadline, as the call timeline and procedure differ slightly between lead roles.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I apply to the NWO-DFG Lead Agency Procedure as a single-country team?

No, the consortium must include at least one principal investigator based in Germany and one in the Netherlands.

### What research areas does the NWO-DFG Lead Agency cover?

Projects must fit within NWO Domain Science areas: Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics, and corresponding DFG review boards.

### How long is the application process for the NWO-DFG Lead Agency?

It is single-stage: the coordinating applicant submits to the Lead Agency, and the co-applicant submits a copy to the Partner Agency within 5-7 working days.

### When is the next NWO-led application deadline?

A new NWO-led call is expected in June or July 2026; DFG-led submissions remain open continuously until 30 July 2027 during the pilot phase.

### What is the maximum project duration?

Projects can run for up to 36 months.

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