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This programme is between rounds. The round described here has closed, and DFG has not announced the next one.

Rolling deadline — draft proposals and proposals can be submitted at any time via the DFG elan portal

DFG

Clinical Trials Programme

Up to €350k

Rolling deadline — draft proposals and proposals can be submitted at any time via the DFG elan portal

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The DFG Clinical Trials Programme funds clinical research projects including feasibility studies, interventional trials, and observational trials, with awards up to €350,000. The call is open to researchers at German higher education institutions and research organisations on a rolling basis. Fast-track pathways are available: interventional or observational trials that follow a funded feasibility study skip the draft-proposal stage and proceed directly to full-proposal submission.

Details

Funder DFG
Budget Up to €350k
Application Feasibility studies: single-stage (direct submission). Interventional trials: 2-stage (draft proposal → invited full proposal). Observational trials: 2-stage (draft proposal → invited full proposal). If interventional trial follows a funded feasibility study, draft proposal stage is waived.
Frequency Continuous
Eligible countries DE

Eligibility & scope

DFG programme funding clinical trials including feasibility studies, interventional trials, and observational trials. Applicants must be eligible under DFG principles (typically German higher education institutions and research organisations). Proposals submitted via the DFG elan portal; guidelines available in German and English.

Who Should Apply

  • •Researchers at German higher education institutions or recognised research organisations
  • •Clinical trial teams across feasibility, interventional, and observational study designs
  • •Researchers seeking to advance trial methodology and clinical evidence
  • •Teams able to submit proposals in English or German via the DFG elan portal

Key Dates

  • •Rolling deadline, submit draft proposals and full proposals at any time via DFG elan portal
  • •Feasibility studies: single-stage review; interventional and observational trials: two-stage review (draft → invited full proposal)
  • •Interventional or observational trials following a funded feasibility study skip the draft stage

Tips for Applicants

  • ✓Rolling deadlines mean no artificial scarcity, take time to polish the draft proposal; quality feedback from the initial stage directly shapes the invited full proposal.
  • ✓If your interventional or observational trial stems from a completed feasibility study you have funded through this programme, you qualify for fast-track entry; cite the award number explicitly.
  • ✓Use the elan portal submission guidelines; DFG is strict on format and panel assignment, a misrouted proposal delays review.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the DFG Clinical Trials Programme fund?

Up to €350,000 per project.

What types of clinical trials does DFG fund?

Feasibility studies, interventional trials, and observational trials.

Is there a deadline for the DFG Clinical Trials Programme?

No fixed deadline; proposals can be submitted at any time via the DFG elan portal on a rolling basis.

Can I apply if my interventional trial follows a funded feasibility study?

Yes, you skip the draft-proposal stage and submit a full proposal directly, speeding up the review process.

dfgclinical-trialsgermanyrolling-deadlinefeasibility-studyinterventional-trialobservational-trial

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