# Priority Programme Antarctic Research with Comparative Investigations in Arctic Ice Areas (SPP 1158)

**Funder:** DFG
**Deadline:** 2 November 2026 (Registration in elan required by 26 October 2026; coordination workshop 28-30 September 2026 mandatory for applicants)
**Duration:** Up to 3 years
**Application:** Mandatory coordination workshop (28-30 September 2026) followed by proposal submission via elan by 2 November 2026
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-11
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/news/news-topics/announcements-proposals/2026/ifr-26-44
**Last updated:** 9 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Infrastructure Priority Programme funding natural science research in Antarctica, extended 2025-2030, with annual proposals for funding periods up to three years. Proposals must be written in English and submitted via the DFG's elan system; geological projects should focus on Antarctica's recent history (not older than ~34 million years).

## Summary

SPP 1158 is a DFG Priority Programme funding natural science research in Antarctica, with comparative studies in Arctic ice areas, for projects of up to three years. It targets researchers at German institutions across Antarctic natural sciences, including geology, though geological proposals must focus on the continent's recent history (no older than ~34 million years). The programme runs annually through its 2025-2030 phase and requires applicants to attend a mandatory coordination workshop before submitting via the DFG's elan system.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at German institutions working in Antarctic natural sciences
- Scientists proposing comparative studies linking Antarctic and Arctic ice areas
- Geologists whose projects focus on Antarctica's recent (~34-million-year) history
- Applicants able to attend the mandatory coordination workshop before submission

## Key dates

- Registration in elan required by 26 October 2026, full proposal by 2 November 2026
- Mandatory coordination workshop 28-30 September 2026 for all applicants
- Funding periods of up to three years; next annual round expected November 2027

## Tips for applicants

- Attend the 28-30 September 2026 coordination workshop early, it is mandatory and precedes elan registration.
- Register in elan well before the 26 October 2026 deadline to avoid last-minute system issues ahead of the 2 November full submission.
- Geological proposals should explicitly frame their scope within Antarctica's recent (~34-million-year) history to match the call's eligibility scope.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does DFG SPP 1158 fund?

It funds natural science research projects in Antarctica, with comparative work in Arctic ice areas, for periods of up to three years within the 2025-2030 programme phase.

### How do I apply to SPP 1158?

Applicants must attend a mandatory coordination workshop (28-30 September 2026) and then register and submit their proposal via the DFG's elan system, with registration due by 26 October 2026 and full submission by 2 November 2026.

### Who is eligible for the SPP 1158 Priority Programme?

The call is open to researchers based at German institutions working in Antarctic natural sciences, including geology, provided proposals are written in English.

### Is there a restriction on geological research topics for SPP 1158?

Yes, geological projects must focus on Antarctica's recent history, no older than approximately 34 million years.

### Does DFG run this call every year?

Yes, SPP 1158 issues annual calls, with the next round expected in November 2027.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-priority-programme-antarctic-research-with-compara-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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