# Research Units (FOR) — Establishment/Renewal

**Funder:** DFG
**Duration:** Up to 8 years (two 4-year funding periods)
**Consortium:** Required — multi-researcher network, typically fewer than 10 projects; majority of projects must be based at universities
**Application:** 2-stage: draft proposal (written review) → establishment proposal (panel meeting)
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/coordinated-programmes/research-units
**Last verified:** 28 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds coordinated research networks enabling close cooperation among outstanding researchers on a shared topic beyond individual project scope. Host institutions must primarily be German universities. International cooperation possible via specific modules. Draft resubmission allowed only once.

## Summary

The DFG Research Units (FOR) programme funds coordinated multi-researcher networks pursuing shared research topics beyond the scope of individual projects, with up to 8 years of support across two 4-year periods. The call targets Germany-based university consortia of typically fewer than 10 research groups; international partners can join via dedicated modules. Proposals may be submitted at any time, and draft rejections may be revised once before final resubmission.

## Who should apply

- Research team leaders (professors or equivalent) at German universities
- Groups proposing tight thematic integration beyond a loose consortium
- International researchers willing to join via formal cooperation modules
- Teams able to articulate shared research questions and collective expertise

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, draft and establishment proposals accepted at any time
- Two-stage review: written critique of draft proposal, then panel meeting for establishment proposal
- Up to 8 years of funding in two consecutive 4-year periods

## Tips for applicants

- A failed draft proposal may be resubmitted once; use reviewer feedback to sharpen focus and strengthen inter-group synergy.
- The panel meeting is decisive and values presenters who can articulate the network's collective vision beyond the sum of individual projects.
- International partners must fit into DFG-approved cooperation modules; budget international involvement early in proposal design.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long can a DFG Research Unit receive funding?

Up to 8 years, structured as two consecutive 4-year funding periods.

### Can I resubmit a rejected draft proposal for a DFG Research Unit?

Yes, once, a failed draft may be revised and resubmitted, but a second rejection is final without appeal to panel.

### Must all partners in a DFG Research Unit be based in Germany?

The majority of projects must be at German universities, but international collaboration is possible through dedicated cooperation modules.

### What is the typical size of a DFG Research Unit consortium?

Usually fewer than 10 projects, each led by a principal investigator at a participating institution.

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