DFG
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation)
Germany's central self-governing research funding organisation. Key programmes: Emmy Noether (early career, up to 6 years post-PhD), Heisenberg (5-12 years), Walter Benjamin (postdoc mobility), Research Grants, and Collaborative Research Centres (SFBs).
Evaluation Criteria
- 1Scientific quality and originality of the research project
- 2Qualification of the applicant (track record, publications, awards)
- 3Feasibility of the work programme and timeline
- 4Appropriateness of the requested funding
- 5For Emmy Noether: potential to establish an independent research group
Proposal Structure
- •Project description (max 20 pages): state of the art, objectives, work programme
- •CV and publication list (up to 10 selected publications)
- •Budget plan with itemised justification
- •Declarations on research integrity and compliance
- •For Emmy Noether: independent leadership plan and host institution commitment
Common Mistakes
- ×Underestimating the German system's emphasis on Grundlagenforschung (basic research)
- ×Not demonstrating independence from your PhD supervisor/mentor
- ×Weak budget justification — DFG reviewers scrutinise this carefully
- ×Not addressing ethical implications where relevant
- ×For SFBs: unbalanced consortium with redundant expertise
Success Tips
- ✓Emmy Noether: your independence narrative must be compelling — show your own research vision
- ✓DFG values thoroughness — be methodologically rigorous in the proposal
- ✓Include preliminary data that shows feasibility
- ✓German-language summary is often required alongside the English proposal
- ✓Budget for a postdoc or PhD position — DFG expects you to build a group
Frequently Asked Questions
+Who is eligible for the Emmy Noether Programme?
Researchers 2 to 4 years post-PhD (with possible extensions) who want to qualify for a professorship by leading an independent junior research group for up to 6 years. You must carry out your project at a research institution in Germany.
+What is the difference between Emmy Noether and Heisenberg?
Emmy Noether is for early-career researchers (2–4 years post-PhD) establishing their first independent research group. Heisenberg targets researchers who already have independence (typically 5–12 years post-PhD) and supports them in the transition to a professorship.
+How much funding does a DFG Research Grant provide?
DFG Research Grants (Sachbeihilfe) typically fund personnel (PhD, postdoc), consumables, equipment, and travel for 3 years. Budgets vary widely — €250,000 to €800,000+ depending on staff and equipment needs.
+Do DFG proposals require a German host institution?
Yes. The main applicant must be at a German research institution, though international collaboration and co-applicants from abroad are welcome. For Walter Benjamin (postdoc mobility), a period abroad is part of the scheme.
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