# Scientific Networks

**Funder:** DFG
**Duration:** Up to 3 years
**Consortium:** Required — group of 10 to 20 qualified researchers (with a doctorate)
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/individual/scientific-networks
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds travel and maintenance costs for multi-year scientific exchange networks of 10-20 doctorate-holding researchers in Germany or at a German research institution abroad, aiming for a specific joint outcome such as publications or research methods development. Not open to employees of purely commercial institutions or those restricted from publishing findings openly.

## Summary

DFG Scientific Networks funds multi-year collaborative research networks of 10-20 doctorate-holding researchers based in Germany or at German research institutions abroad. The programme covers travel, accommodation, coordination, and publication costs for network meetings and activities, supporting networks with a concrete deliverable such as a joint publication or new research methodology.

## Who should apply

- Doctorate-holding researchers based at German institutions or German research groups abroad
- Researchers ready to convene a network of 10-20 peers with a shared research goal
- Networks targeting a defined outcome: co-authored publication, shared methodology, or joint research agenda
- Applicants from academic institutions (commercial and purely non-publishing organisations are ineligible)

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, proposals may be submitted at any time
- Single-stage review
- Up to three-year network duration

## Tips for applicants

- Define your network's concrete deliverable upfront (e.g. a joint methods paper, not just 'dialogue'); DFG panels expect specificity.
- Budget travel and accommodation costs transparently; the programme is built to support in-person meetings, so justify each meeting's scope and participant list.
- Ensure all 10-20 proposed members hold doctorates and are employed at eligible institutions; the eligibility check is strict.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can join a DFG Scientific Network?

Members must hold a doctorate and be based at a German research institution or a German research group abroad. Employees of purely commercial or non-publishing organisations are ineligible.

### How much does a DFG Scientific Network cost?

Funding covers travel, accommodation, coordination, and publication costs. The total award depends on network size (10-20 members) and planned activities.

### What is the minimum and maximum network size?

Networks must comprise 10-20 researchers.

### How long can a DFG Scientific Network run?

Networks may run for up to three years.

### When can I submit a proposal for a DFG Scientific Network?

Proposals may be submitted at any time on a rolling basis.

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

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