DFG
Joint Proposal Submission with Researchers Abroad under a Standing Open Procedure (SOP)
Rolling deadline — proposals may be submitted at any time (no fixed deadline)
Last verified:
This DFG Standing Open Procedure (SOP) funds joint research proposals between German institutions and eligible international partners, submitted continuously with no fixed deadline. The call covers two-sided review (with countries including Brazil, Colombia, India, Iran, Turkey, USA) and lead agency procedures (Austria, Belgium, and others), with funding contingent on approval by both partner organisations.
Details
| Funder | DFG |
| Consortium | Required — joint proposal with at least one researcher at a German institution and one foreign partner |
| Application | Single stage — submitted simultaneously to both funding organisations (two-sided review) or to the lead agency (lead agency procedure) |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Eligible countries | DE |
Eligibility & scope
German-based researchers may submit joint proposals with partners in Brazil, Colombia, India, Iran, Turkey, USA (two-sided review) or Austria, Belgium, Italy (South Tyrol), Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland (lead agency procedure). Applicant must be affiliated with a German institution. Complementary co-financing by the foreign partner organisation is required.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers based at German academic or research institutions
- •Project teams with confirmed international partners in eligible SOP countries
- •Researchers seeking bi-national funding via simultaneous two-sided or lead agency review
- •Projects requiring coordination between German and foreign research groups
Key Dates
- •Rolling deadline, proposals may be submitted at any time
- •Single-stage review: simultaneous submission to DFG and partner funder or to lead agency
- •Call is continuous and ongoing
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Confirm your international partner's country is listed in an active SOP agreement (two-sided review or lead agency track) before proposing; eligibility gates the entire application.
- ✓Coordinate submission timing with your international partner, both sides must submit in sync; delays on either end block review.
- ✓Two-sided review requires dual approval; build in extra time for cross-border administrative coordination between organisations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DFG Standing Open Procedure for international collaboration?
It is a continuous funding mechanism for joint proposals between German institutions and eligible international partners, reviewed simultaneously by both funders or through a lead agency.
Which countries can I partner with under the DFG SOP?
Eligible partners depend on the procedure: two-sided review covers Brazil, Colombia, India, Iran, Turkey, USA; lead agency procedure covers Austria, Belgium, and others. Check the DFG website for the complete current list.
Is there a deadline for DFG SOP submissions?
No, the SOP operates on a rolling deadline, proposals may be submitted at any time.
How does DFG SOP funding work if my partner is approved but DFG is not?
Funding is contingent on approval by both the DFG and the partner organisation; one-sided approval does not release funds.
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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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