DFG
Funding Opportunity for Dutch-German Basic Research Projects in Fields of the Sciences (NWO Domain Science – DFG)
Pilot phase open 6 August 2024 – 30 July 2027; NWO-as-lead-agency round for 2025–2026 is closed (cap reached); new NWO-lead call expected June/July 2026 with submissions from August 2026. DFG-as-lead-agency submissions continue on a rolling basis.
Last verified:
The NWO, DFG Lead Agency partnership funds basic research projects in the sciences (astronomy, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, life sciences, mathematics, physics) for Dutch-German collaborative teams. Each team must have at least one researcher based in the Netherlands and one in Germany; NWO funds Dutch applicants and the DFG funds German applicants. This is a continuous pilot call open until 30 July 2027, with single-stage submission through the Lead Agency system.
Details
| Funder | DFG |
| Deadline | 30 July 2027 |
| Consortium | Required — Dutch-German research teams (at least one applicant per country) |
| Application | Single stage: coordinating applicant submits to Lead Agency; co-applicant(s) submit copy to Partner Agency within 7 days |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Next round | 2026-08 |
| Eligible countries | DENL |
Eligibility & scope
Joint Lead Agency Procedure for Dutch-German research teams in NWO Domain Science areas (Astronomy, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematics, Physics). Applicants must be based in Germany (DFG) or the Netherlands (NWO). Proposals outside the defined scope cannot be considered. Unilateral funding of only one national part is not possible.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers based in the Netherlands with a German co-applicant (or vice versa)
- •Teams proposing basic research in astronomy, chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, life sciences, mathematics, or physics
- •Groups with established cross-border collaboration and clear division of work between Dutch and German partners
- •Applicants prepared to coordinate submission through the Lead Agency and ensure co-applicant submission to Partner Agency within 7 days
Key Dates
- •Continuous submission window: pilot phase open until 30 July 2027; applicants can submit at any time
- •Single-stage evaluation: coordinating applicant submits to Lead Agency; co-applicant(s) must submit copy to Partner Agency within 7 days
- •NWO may temporarily pause Lead Agency submissions at the end of yearly call cycles; check NWO site before submitting
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Timing your submission is strategic: NWO pauses Lead Agency intake at the end of yearly cycles, so plan ahead to avoid blackout windows, check the NWO website for these dates before finalizing your timeline.
- ✓Scope strictly to NWO Domain Science and corresponding DFG review boards; proposals outside these domains (e.g., applied engineering, clinical medicine) will be desk-rejected regardless of team quality.
- ✓Ensure your German co-applicant submits their copy to the DFG within 7 days of your Lead Agency submission; late or missing co-applicant files can stall or derail the review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NWO, DFG Lead Agency partnership?
It is a joint funding mechanism where NWO and the DFG each fund their own national researchers as part of a single Dutch-German collaborative project, eliminating the need for separate parallel applications.
Can I apply to the NWO, DFG Lead Agency if I am based in Germany only?
No, the consortium must include at least one researcher based in the Netherlands and one in Germany. You can apply as the German applicant if your Dutch co-applicant is the coordinating Lead Agency applicant.
What happens if my project spans chemistry and computer science?
Your project must fit cleanly within one of the defined NWO Domain Science areas and a corresponding DFG review board. If it spans multiple domains, it may be rejected or assigned to the primary discipline; consult both agencies before submission.
When is the deadline for the NWO, DFG Lead Agency call?
The pilot phase runs continuously until 30 July 2027; proposals can be submitted at any time within this window. NWO may temporarily pause submissions at the end of yearly call cycles.
How are projects funded under the Lead Agency procedure?
NWO funds Dutch applicants and the DFG funds German applicants; each agency covers only its own national researchers. Unilateral funding (one agency funding both parties) is not possible.
Related on Grantsby
- DFG writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
More from DFG
DFG Support for Ukrainian Researchers — Supplemental Proposals and Living Expenses
Deadline: 31 Aug 2026Up to €1,000/month per project leaderInitiation of International Collaboration - Ukraine
Deadline: 31 Aug 2026DFG Support for Ukrainian Researchers / German-Ukrainian Bilateral Projects
Deadline: 31 Aug 2026Up to €1,000/month per Ukrainian project leader for living expensesDFG-NWO Lead Agency Procedure (Joint Pilot)
Deadline: 30 Jul 2027NWO-DFG Pilot 2024-2027: Dutch-German Basic Research Projects in Fields of the Sciences
Deadline: 31 Jul 2027
Browse Related
Could Funding Opportunity for Dutch-German Basic Research Projects in Fields of the Sciences (NWO Domain Science – DFG) be right for you?
See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →