# NWO-DFG Pilot 2024-2027: Dutch-German Basic Research Projects in Fields of the Sciences

**Funder:** DFG
**Deadline:** 31 July 2027 (Submission possible at any time until end of pilot phase on 31 July 2027; funded projects may extend beyond this date)
**Duration:** Up to 3 years
**Consortium:** Required — German and Dutch research partners (bilateral)
**Application:** Single stage; submitted via DFG elan portal under Individual Grants Programme
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** DE, NL
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/countries-regions/nl-nwo
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Joint basic research proposals within NWO Domain Science (Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics) and corresponding DFG review boards. Commercial companies excluded. Non-university German researchers must fulfil DFG 'duty to cooperate' with a German university partner. No fixed budget cap; standard DFG Sachbeihilfe rules apply. Proposals compete with all other individual grants.

## Summary

The NWO-DFG Pilot 2024-2027 funds joint basic research projects between Dutch and German research groups, covering astronomy, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, life sciences, mathematics, and physics. Proposals must include at least one partner from each country and compete under standard DFG Sachbeihilfe rules with no fixed budget cap. This is a one-off pilot call open until 31 July 2027, offering researchers an opportunity to establish bilateral collaborations across the two nations' science systems.

## Who should apply

- Research teams with both German and Dutch partners
- Scientists in astronomy, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, life sciences, mathematics, or physics
- Researchers at universities or recognised research institutions
- Non-university German researchers must partner with a German university (DFG duty-to-cooperate rule)

## Key dates

- Rolling submissions until 31 July 2027
- Single-stage evaluation via DFG elan portal
- Funded projects may extend beyond the pilot deadline

## Tips for applicants

- Ensure your German partner institution meets DFG eligibility; non-university researchers must have a university co-applicant.
- Budget structure follows standard DFG Sachbeihilfe rules, align cost categories with DFG norms, not NWO conventions, to avoid resubmission.
- A joint bilateral research plan is essential; reviewers assess the complementarity and necessity of the cross-border partnership, not just the science.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the NWO-DFG Pilot and who funds it?

A one-off joint call between the Dutch Research Council (NWO) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) for bilateral basic research projects. It runs until 31 July 2027 with rolling submissions.

### Do I need both Dutch and German partners to apply?

Yes, proposals must include at least one research partner from each country; the partnership is mandatory and bilateral.

### How long can an NWO-DFG Pilot project last?

Up to three years; funded projects may extend beyond the pilot phase deadline of 31 July 2027.

### Which research fields are eligible?

Astronomy, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, life sciences, mathematics, and physics through NWO Domain Science and corresponding DFG review boards.

### Can a non-university researcher lead the German side?

Non-university German researchers must fulfil DFG's duty-to-cooperate rule by partnering with a German university as a co-applicant.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-nwo-dfg-pilot-2024-2027-dutch-german-basic-researc) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.