# Priority Programme "International Ocean Drilling Programme (IODP³)"

**Funder:** DFG
**Deadline:** 2 February 2027 (New elan portal registration required by 27 January 2027 for first-time applicants)
**Duration:** Up to 3 years
**Application:** Single stage: new project or renewal proposal submission via elan portal
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2028-02
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/news/news-topics/announcements-proposals/2026/ifr-26-80
**Last updated:** 25 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Call under Priority Programme SPP 527 for innovative research on data/cores from international ocean drilling programmes, preparation of future expeditions, or development of drilling tools/software; proposals must link to ongoing, past or future drilling projects. Proposals must be written in English and submitted via the elan portal.

## Summary

The DFG Priority Programme IODP³ (SPP 527) funds research projects in Germany that analyze data or cores from international ocean drilling programmes, prepare future drilling expeditions, or develop new drilling tools and software, for up to three years. It is open to researchers at German institutions whose proposals link to ongoing, past, or future scientific drilling projects. The call runs annually via the elan portal, with new applicants needing to register in advance of the deadline.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at German universities or research institutions
- Earth and ocean scientists working with IODP cores or drilling data
- Groups preparing proposals for future scientific drilling expeditions
- Developers of drilling tools or related software for ocean research
- First-time applicants able to register on the elan portal ahead of the deadline

## Key dates

- Proposal deadline: 2 February 2027
- First-time applicants must register on the elan portal by 27 January 2027
- Projects run up to 3 years; call repeats annually, next round expected February 2028

## Tips for applicants

- Register on the elan portal well before the 27 January 2027 cutoff, late registration blocks submission entirely for first-time applicants.
- Explicitly tie the proposal to a named ongoing, past, or future IODP expedition or dataset; proposals without this link fall outside the programme's scope.
- Write the proposal in English, as required for all SPP 527 submissions.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does the DFG SPP 527 IODP³ programme fund?

It funds research using data or cores from international ocean drilling programmes, preparation for future drilling expeditions, or development of drilling tools and software.

### How long can an IODP³ project run?

Projects can run for up to three years.

### Who is eligible to apply for IODP³?

The call is open to researchers based in Germany whose projects link to ongoing, past, or future scientific ocean drilling projects.

### When is the IODP³ application deadline?

The deadline is 2 February 2027, and first-time applicants must register on the elan portal by 27 January 2027.

### Is the IODP³ call recurring?

Yes, it runs annually, with the next round expected in February 2028.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-priority-programme-international-ocean-drilling-pr-2027-02) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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