DFG

DFG Emmy Noether Programme

Own position + research group funding, up to 6 yearsUp to 6 years

Continuous submission — proposals accepted at any time

Last verified: 18 June 2026

This is the current call of theDFG Emmy Noether Programmeprogramme. The programme guide coverseligibility, budget, success rate and FAQacross every round.

The DFG Emmy Noether Programme funds outstanding early-career researchers up to four years post-PhD to establish and lead an independent junior research group at a German institution, with support up to €2,000,000 over six years. The programme covers salary for the researcher plus full group funding, and welcomes applications from all disciplines. Applications are accepted continuously with no fixed deadline, making it a flexible entry point for researchers ready to lead their own lab.

Details

Funder	DFG
Budget	Own position + research group funding, up to 6 years
Duration	Up to 6 years
Consortium	No — individual + junior research group
Application	Single-stage (rolling)
Frequency	Continuous (no fixed deadline)
Career stage	Early-career opportunity
Eligible countries	DE

Eligibility & scope

DFG Emmy Noether funds outstanding early-career researchers (≈up to 4y post-PhD with international experience) to lead an independent junior research group at a German institution. The German equivalent of NWO Vidi / ERC Starting tier.

Who Should Apply

•Researchers 0-4 years post-PhD with international research experience
•Applicants hosted at a German university or research institution
•All research disciplines and fields
•Researchers ready to establish and lead an independent junior research group

Key Dates

•Continuous submission, applications accepted at any time, no fixed deadline
•Single-stage rolling review
•Up to six-year project duration

Tips for Applicants

✓Emphasise international mobility and post-PhD experience gained outside your PhD institution; the panel values independence from your doctoral supervisor.
✓Proposals should articulate a clear, original research vision distinct from your postdoctoral work, with concrete team-building and milestone plans for the six-year period.
✓Contact your German host institution's DFG liaison office early to clarify eligibility and institutional support procedures; host institutions vary in their administrative capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the DFG Emmy Noether Programme fund?

Up to €2,000,000 over six years, covering the researcher's position, salary and staffing for a junior research group.

Who can apply for the Emmy Noether Programme?

Researchers approximately 0-4 years post-PhD with international research experience, hosted at a German university or research institution.

Is there a deadline for Emmy Noether applications?

No, the call accepts proposals continuously with no fixed deadline; you can submit at any time.

How long does the Emmy Noether Programme last?

Up to six years, allowing researchers to build and establish their junior research group.

Can I apply to Emmy Noether from any research discipline?

Yes, the programme is open across all disciplines and fields of research.

dfgemmy-noetherearly-careerjunior-research-groupgermanyindependence-grantall-disciplinesgroup-leader

Related on Grantsby

DFG writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
DFG Emmy Noether Programme, full programme guide
Eligibility, budget, success rates, application timeline, FAQ.
DFG Emmy Noether Programme past winners & funded projects
Recent recipients, host institutions, and funded project titles. See who tends to win before you apply.

View full call → DFG writing tips

Share ✉ Email X LinkedIn WhatsApp

Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.