# Priority Programme "Combinatorial Synergies" (SPP 2458)

**Funder:** DFG
**Deadline:** 30 November 2026 (First-time DFG applicants must register in elan by 16 November 2026)
**Duration:** 3 years (second funding period)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage; proposals submitted via elan portal
**Frequency:** Biennial
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/news/news-topics/announcements-proposals/2026/ifr-26-50
**Last verified:** 19 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Second 3-year funding period of SPP 2458, covering combinatorics themes: enumeration, Dynkin classification, commutative algebra, matroids, convexity, lattice points, statistics, non-linear optimisation, and mathematical physics. Proposals encouraged to address synergies between human mathematical insight and AI-supported methods. Host institution must comply with DFG Code of Conduct for Good Research Practice. Proposals submitted via elan portal only.

## Summary

The DFG Priority Programme "Combinatorial Synergies" (SPP 2458) funds collaborative research projects across combinatorics, including enumeration, commutative algebra, matroids, convexity, and lattice-point geometry, over three years. The second funding period encourages proposals that explore synergies between human mathematical insight and AI-supported methods. Researchers at German institutions are eligible to apply.

## Who should apply

- Mathematicians and applied researchers working in combinatorics, algebra, or mathematical physics
- Researchers at German academic institutions and research centres
- Teams interested in bridging classical mathematical reasoning with computational or AI-supported approaches
- Experienced applicants or those willing to register early (registration closes 16 November 2026)

## Key dates

- Deadline 30 November 2026 (first-time DFG applicants must register in elan by 16 November 2026)
- Single-stage submission via elan portal
- Three-year project duration (second funding period)

## Tips for applicants

- First-time DFG applicants must register in elan well before the final deadline; plan registration for early November to avoid last-minute bottlenecks.
- Explicitly articulate the synergy between mathematical insight and AI or computational methods in your proposal, this is a priority of the second funding period.
- Ensure your host institution has a current DFG Code of Conduct certification for Good Research Practice; compliance is gating.

## Frequently asked questions

### What topics does DFG SPP 2458 fund?

The programme covers combinatorics themes including enumeration, Dynkin classification, commutative algebra, matroids, convexity, lattice points, statistics, non-linear optimisation, and mathematical physics.

### How long does funding last under SPP 2458?

Projects are funded for three years in the second funding period.

### Who can apply to DFG SPP 2458?

Researchers at German academic institutions and research centres working in eligible combinatorics and related areas.

### What is the deadline for DFG SPP 2458 second funding period?

The submission deadline is 30 November 2026; first-time DFG applicants must register in elan by 16 November 2026.

### Does SPP 2458 encourage AI methods?

Yes, proposals that explore synergies between human mathematical insight and AI-supported or computational methods are actively encouraged in this funding period.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-priority-programme-combinatorial-synergies-spp-245-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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