Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
DFG Emmy Noether Programme
Up to 6 years of funding for early-career researchers to establish an independent junior research group in Germany.
About the DFG Emmy Noether Programme
The DFG Emmy Noether Programme is Germany's flagship early-career funding scheme, designed to let researchers qualify for a professorship by leading an independent junior research group. Funding covers personnel, consumables, equipment, and travel for up to 6 years. Eligibility requires 2 to 4 years of postdoctoral research experience post-PhD at the call deadline (extensions possible for parental leave or other interruptions). The programme is explicitly about independence: the applicant must demonstrate a research vision clearly distinct from their PhD or postdoc supervisor's work, and the host institution must commit to providing infrastructure and a written declaration supporting the establishment of the junior group. Unlike most DFG schemes, the Emmy Noether Programme is intensely competitive and is often considered a stepping-stone to a full German professorship.
Key facts
- Career stage
- 2–4 years post-PhD
- Duration
- Up to 6 years
- Host
- German research institution
- Key requirement
- Independence from PhD/postdoc supervisor
- Success rate
- ~20–25%
Who is eligible?
- •2 to 4 years of postdoctoral research experience at the call deadline
- •Extensions available for career interruptions
- •Project carried out at a research institution in Germany
- •Host institution commitment to providing infrastructure
Frequently asked questions
+What is the difference between Emmy Noether and Heisenberg?
Emmy Noether (2–4 years post-PhD) is for researchers establishing their first independent research group. Heisenberg (typically 5–12 years post-PhD) is for researchers who already have independence and are transitioning to a professorship. They target different career stages.
+Can a non-German national apply?
Yes. Nationality is not a requirement. The project must be carried out at a German research institution, but the applicant can be of any nationality.
+Is a German-language summary required?
A German-language summary is typically required alongside the English proposal. Most of the evaluation happens in English, but the summary is used for the DFG's internal and public communications.
+How does the Emmy Noether compare to an ERC Starting Grant?
Both target early-career researchers and fund around the same duration. ERC is pan-European and funds researchers in any EU/associated country. Emmy Noether is Germany-specific with stronger integration into the German academic career path (often a path to professorship). Many researchers in Germany hold both over their careers.
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