DFG

DFG Heisenberg Programme

Position/professorship + research costs, up to 5 yearsUp to 5 years

Continuous submission — proposals accepted at any time

Last seen in a scan/import: 23 Sept 2026.

Catalog updated: 19 Jun 2026.

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This call page belongs to the DFG Heisenberg Programme programme. The programme guide covers eligibility, budget, success rate and FAQ across every round.

The DFG Heisenberg Programme funds established researchers who have qualified for a professorship (e.g. through habilitation) to continue research at a German institution, with support up to €1.5 million over five years for position and research costs. This is the senior career bridge above Emmy Noether, intended to retain accomplished researchers before they secure a permanent W2/W3 professor position. Proposals are accepted at any time on a rolling basis.

Details

Funder	DFG
Budget	Position/professorship + research costs, up to 5 years
Duration	Up to 5 years
Consortium	No — single PI
Application	Single-stage (rolling)
Frequency	Continuous (no fixed deadline)
Eligible countries	DE

Eligibility & scope

DFG Heisenberg supports established researchers who have qualified for a professorship (habilitation or equivalent) to continue at a German institution — the senior career bridge above Emmy Noether. Excludes existing permanent W2/W3 professors.

Who Should Apply

•Researchers with habilitation or equivalent qualification
•Applicants seeking an independent research position at a German institution
•Established researchers not yet holding a permanent W2 or W3 professor post
•Single-PI research teams with German institutional affiliation

Key Dates

•Continuous rolling submission, no fixed deadline
•Single-stage evaluation
•Up to five-year project duration

Tips for Applicants

✓Proposals are evaluated competitively even on rolling deadlines; strong data and clear independence from mentors are essential.
✓Align your career timeline with German professorship expectations and institutional hiring roadmaps.
✓Position sustainability beyond the five-year Heisenberg window in your proposal narrative, reviewers screen for long-term independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the DFG Heisenberg Programme provide?

Up to €1.5 million over five years, covering position and research costs.

Who is eligible for the DFG Heisenberg Programme?

Researchers who have qualified for a professorship (e.g. through habilitation) and are employed at a German institution, excluding those already in permanent W2 or W3 posts.

Is there a deadline for the DFG Heisenberg Programme?

No fixed deadline, proposals are accepted at any time on a rolling basis for continuous evaluation.

Can I apply if I already have a permanent professor position?

No, the Heisenberg Programme is open only to researchers not yet holding a permanent W2 or W3 professorship.

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Related on Grantsby

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View full call → DFG writing tips

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