DFG
Research Units (FOR) — Establishment/Renewal
Rolling — draft and establishment proposals may be submitted at any time
Last verified:
The DFG Research Units (FOR) programme funds coordinated multi-researcher networks pursuing shared research topics beyond the scope of individual projects, with up to 8 years of support across two 4-year periods. The call targets Germany-based university consortia of typically fewer than 10 research groups; international partners can join via dedicated modules. Proposals may be submitted at any time, and draft rejections may be revised once before final resubmission.
Details
| Funder | DFG |
| Duration | Up to 8 years (two 4-year funding periods) |
| Consortium | Required — multi-researcher network, typically fewer than 10 projects; majority of projects must be based at universities |
| Application | 2-stage: draft proposal (written review) → establishment proposal (panel meeting) |
| Frequency | Continuous |
| Eligible countries | DE |
Eligibility & scope
Funds coordinated research networks enabling close cooperation among outstanding researchers on a shared topic beyond individual project scope. Host institutions must primarily be German universities. International cooperation possible via specific modules. Draft resubmission allowed only once.
Who Should Apply
- •Research team leaders (professors or equivalent) at German universities
- •Groups proposing tight thematic integration beyond a loose consortium
- •International researchers willing to join via formal cooperation modules
- •Teams able to articulate shared research questions and collective expertise
Key Dates
- •Rolling deadline, draft and establishment proposals accepted at any time
- •Two-stage review: written critique of draft proposal, then panel meeting for establishment proposal
- •Up to 8 years of funding in two consecutive 4-year periods
Tips for Applicants
- ✓A failed draft proposal may be resubmitted once; use reviewer feedback to sharpen focus and strengthen inter-group synergy.
- ✓The panel meeting is decisive and values presenters who can articulate the network's collective vision beyond the sum of individual projects.
- ✓International partners must fit into DFG-approved cooperation modules; budget international involvement early in proposal design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a DFG Research Unit receive funding?
Up to 8 years, structured as two consecutive 4-year funding periods.
Can I resubmit a rejected draft proposal for a DFG Research Unit?
Yes, once, a failed draft may be revised and resubmitted, but a second rejection is final without appeal to panel.
Must all partners in a DFG Research Unit be based in Germany?
The majority of projects must be at German universities, but international collaboration is possible through dedicated cooperation modules.
What is the typical size of a DFG Research Unit consortium?
Usually fewer than 10 projects, each led by a principal investigator at a participating institution.
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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