# Circularity of Critical Metals – Collaborative Projects

**Funder:** Volkswagen Foundation
**Consortium:** Required — 2 to 3 principal investigators with ties to industry or stakeholders
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.volkswagenstiftung.de/en/funding/funding-offer/circularity-critical-metals-collaborative-projects
**Last updated:** 1 Nov 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Interdisciplinary collaborative research projects with 2-3 principal investigators and industry or stakeholder ties, in Engineering, Natural Sciences, possibly combined with Computer Science or Economics/Business.

## Summary

The Volkswagen Foundation's "Circularity of Critical Metals" call funds interdisciplinary collaborative research projects on recycling, substitution, or resource efficiency of critical metals. Teams of 2-3 principal investigators from German institutions apply jointly, combining Engineering or Natural Sciences with Computer Science or Economics/Business, and must include ties to industry or other stakeholders.

## Who should apply

- Principal investigators at German universities or research institutions
- Teams of 2 to 3 PIs applying jointly rather than as single investigators
- Researchers in Engineering or Natural Sciences, optionally paired with Computer Science or Economics/Business
- Projects with established ties to industry or other external stakeholders
- Interdisciplinary consortia working on critical metals recycling or circularity

## Key dates

- Consortium of 2-3 PIs required at application

## Tips for applicants

- Build the consortium around a genuine disciplinary mix, pairing Engineering or Natural Sciences with Computer Science or Economics/Business strengthens fit with the call's interdisciplinary focus.
- Document the industry or stakeholder tie concretely, since this is a stated eligibility requirement rather than an optional strengthening factor.
- Clarify the division of roles among the 2-3 PIs early, as joint applications are evaluated as a single collaborative proposal.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many principal investigators are required for this grant?

The call requires a consortium of 2 to 3 principal investigators applying jointly.

### Who is eligible to apply for the Circularity of Critical Metals grant?

Researchers at German institutions in Engineering or Natural Sciences, optionally combined with Computer Science or Economics/Business, with ties to industry or stakeholders.

### Is industry partnership required for this Volkswagen Foundation call?

Yes, applicant teams must have ties to industry or other stakeholders as part of the eligibility criteria.

### Can researchers outside Germany apply to this grant?

The call is open to institutions in Germany based on the stated eligible countries.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/volkswagen-foundation-circularity-of-critical-metals-collaborative-proje-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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