DFG
International Research Training Groups
Draft proposal deadline; establishment proposal due 1 April 2028; grant decision November 2028; funding start March/April 2029
Last updated:
The International Research Training Groups (IRTG) programme is a joint DFG, SSHRC call for German-Canadian research networks in social sciences and humanities, funding up to 9 years (5 years initial, 4 years optional second period). Each IRTG consists of one German university team and one SSHRC-eligible Canadian post-secondary institution team, each around 5-10 researchers, with approximately 30 doctoral researchers supported on the German side. Doctoral researchers must spend 6-12 months at the partner institution, embedding genuine cross-border research training.
Details
| Funder | DFG |
| Deadline | 31 March 2027 |
| Duration | Up to 9 years (5-year first period + 4-year second period) |
| Consortium | Required — one German university team and one Canadian SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institution team, each with ~5–10 researchers; proposals submitted jointly by both host institutions |
| Application | 2-stage: draft proposal (31 March 2027) → establishment proposal (1 April 2028) |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | DECA |
Eligibility & scope
Joint DFG–SSHRC call for German-Canadian IRTGs in social sciences and humanities (excluding health-focused topics). German team based at a university with doctoral degree-granting rights; Canadian lead must be at an SSHRC-eligible institution. Funds PhD positions (up to 48 months), research visits (6–12 months reciprocal), workshops, and seminars. ~30 doctoral researchers funded on the German side; 14–20 on the Canadian side.
Who Should Apply
- •PIs at German universities entitled to confer doctoral degrees
- •Canadian lead PIs at SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institutions
- •Research groups in social sciences and humanities (health-focused topics excluded)
- •Teams committed to hosting doctoral researchers for 6-12 month exchanges
- •Established groups willing to join a consortium and submit a joint proposal
Key Dates
- •Draft proposal deadline 31 March 2027
- •Establishment proposal due 1 April 2028; grant decision November 2028; funding start March/April 2029
- •Up to 9 years (5-year initial period plus optional 4-year second period)
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Pre-submission consultation with SSHRC is required before submitting to DFG; build this into your timeline.
- ✓The draft proposal at stage one is gating: invest in clarity about the doctoral training model and research integration across the two teams.
- ✓Ensure your Canadian partner holds SSHRC eligibility status before committing to a joint submission; misaligned institutional status stalls approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the International Research Training Group funding?
Up to 9 years total: a 5-year initial funding period plus an optional 4-year second period, subject to evaluation.
Who can apply for an IRTG?
German PIs at universities with doctoral degree authority and Canadian lead PIs at SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institutions, applying jointly via both host organisations to DFG.
How many doctoral researchers are funded in an IRTG?
Approximately 30 doctoral researchers are supported on the German side; each must spend 6-12 months at the Canadian partner institution.
What research fields are eligible for the IRTG?
Social sciences and humanities, excluding health-focused topics.
Is pre-submission consultation required for the IRTG?
Yes, pre-submission consultation with SSHRC is mandatory before submitting the draft proposal to DFG.
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.
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