DFG
International Research Training Groups (German-Canadian, with SSHRC)
Establishment proposal deadline 1 April 2028
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This joint DFG-SSHRC scheme funds International Research Training Groups that pair a German university with a Canadian SSHRC-eligible institution to run a shared doctoral training program in the social sciences and humanities, excluding health topics. It supports up to 9 years of activity across two funding periods and requires reciprocal doctoral researcher exchanges of 6-12 months with dual supervision from both countries. Applications go through a three-stage process, starting with a draft proposal and moving to an invitation-only establishment proposal.
Details
| Funder | DFG |
| Deadline | 31 March 2027 |
| Duration | Up to 9 years (5-year initial period + 4-year renewal) |
| Consortium | Required — joint German host university and Canadian SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institution, each team of ~5-10 researchers |
| Application | 3-stage: draft proposal (31 March 2027) → establishment proposal (1 April 2028, by invitation) → renewal proposal (for second funding period) |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | DECA |
Eligibility & scope
Joint DFG-SSHRC scheme funding one German-Canadian International Research Training Group in social sciences and humanities (excluding health-focused topics) for structured doctoral training with reciprocal research visits of 6-12 months. Lead PI in Canada must be affiliated with an SSHRC-eligible institution; proposal must meet SSHRC subject-matter eligibility guidelines.
Who Should Apply
- •Research teams jointly led by a German university and a Canadian SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institution
- •Investigators working in social sciences and humanities fields outside health research
- •Teams able to commit to a structured doctoral training program lasting up to 9 years
- •Applicants prepared to organize reciprocal 6-12 month doctoral researcher exchanges with dual supervision
Key Dates
- •Draft proposal deadline: 31 March 2027
- •Establishment proposal (invitation only): 1 April 2028
- •Renewal proposal due approximately 1 year before the end of the 5-year first funding period; total duration up to 9 years
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Draft proposals must already show a credible joint German-Canadian team and shared research theme; recruit the Canadian SSHRC-eligible partner well before the March 2027 deadline.
- ✓Design the doctoral training plan around the required 6-12 month reciprocal exchanges and dual supervision from the outset, since this is a structural requirement, not an add-on.
- ✓Confirm the project's subject matter against SSHRC's eligibility guidelines early, since the scheme explicitly excludes health-related topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the German-Canadian International Research Training Group run?
Up to 9 years total, split into a first funding period of 5 years and a renewal period of 4 years.
Who can apply for the DFG-SSHRC International Research Training Groups scheme?
Joint teams of a German host university and a Canadian SSHRC-eligible post-secondary institution working in social sciences and humanities (non-health topics).
What is the application process for this DFG-SSHRC call?
A three-stage process: a draft proposal by 31 March 2027, an establishment proposal by 1 April 2028 (invitation only), and a renewal proposal about a year before the first funding period ends.
Is this a recurring DFG call?
No, this is listed as a one-off joint scheme between DFG and SSHRC.
Does the programme require researcher exchange between Germany and Canada?
Yes, it requires reciprocal doctoral researcher visits of 6-12 months and dual German/Canadian supervision.
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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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