1. Funding for Research in Germany
An „Introduction“ to Structures, Programs and International Collaboration
Max Voegler (DFG North America Office, Washington, DC)

2. The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs
Content
The German Research Landscape
DFG Profile
Funding Programs
International Cooperation
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

3. The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs
Content
The German Research Landscape
DFG Profile
Funding Programs
International Cooperation
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

4. The German Research Landscape Alliance of German Science Organizations
Budget
Mission
Logo
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
103.1 mill. €
(= mill. $)
promote academic cooperation globally
AvH
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
1.9 bill. €
(=2.2 bill. $)
applied research
FhG
German Academic Exchange Service
397 mill. €
(= 507 mill. $)
support international exchange
DAAD
German Research Foundation
2.64 bill. €
(= 3.38 bill. $)
fund excellent research
DFG
Helmholtz Association
2.9 bill. €
(=3.7 bill. $)
research with large scale equipment
HGF
Leibniz Association
1.3 bill. €
(=1.6 bill. $)
research, service museums
WGL
Leopoldina
6.5 mill. €
(= 8.03 mill. $)
nat. academy of sciences
Max Planck Society
1.5 bill. €
(1.9 bill. $)
"makers of nobel-prize winners"
MPG
GWK 23: PFI Monitoring-Bericht 2011 (MPG. WGL, HGF and FhG), (Leopoldina), presentation by C.Schäfer, DAAD (pdf file), AvH Annual Report 2010
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

5. The German Research Landscape Alliance of German Science Organizations
Budget
Mission
Logo
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
103.1 mill. €
(= mill. $)
promote academic cooperation globally
AvH
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
1.9 bill. €
(=2.2 bill. $)
applied research
FhG
German Academic Exchange Service
397 mill. €
(= 507 mill. $)
support international exchange
DAAD
German Research Foundation
2.64 bill. €
(= 3.38 bill. $)
fund excellent research
DFG
Helmholtz Association
2.9 bill. €
(=3.7 bill. $)
research with large scale equipment
HGF
Leibniz Association
1.3 bill. €
(=1.6 bill. $)
research, service museums
WGL
Leopoldina
6.5 mill. €
(= 8.03 mill. $)
nat. academy of sciences
Max Planck Society
1.5 bill. €
(1.9 bill. $)
"makers of nobel-prize winners"
MPG
GWK 23: PFI Monitoring-Bericht 2011 (MPG. WGL, HGF and FhG), (Leopoldina), presentation by C.Schäfer, DAAD (pdf file), AvH Annual Report 2010
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

6. The German Research Landscape Alliance of German Science Organizations
Budget
Mission
Logo
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
103.1 mill. €
(= mill. $)
promote academic cooperation globally
AvH
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
1.9 bill. €
(=2.2 bill. $)
applied research
FhG
German Academic Exchange Service
397 mill. €
(= 507 mill. $)
support international exchange
DAAD
German Research Foundation
2.64 bill. €
(= 3.38 bill. $)
fund excellent research
DFG
Helmholtz Association
2.9 bill. €
(=3.7 bill. $)
research with large scale equipment
HGF
Leibniz Association
1.3 bill. €
(=1.6 bill. $)
research, service museums
WGL
Leopoldina
6.5 mill. €
(= 8.03 mill. $)
nat. academy of sciences
Max Planck Society
1.5 bill. €
(1.9 bill. $)
"makers of nobel-prize winners"
MPG
GWK 23: PFI Monitoring-Bericht 2011 (MPG. WGL, HGF and FhG), (Leopoldina), presentation by C.Schäfer, DAAD (pdf file), AvH Annual Report 2010
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

7. The German Research Landscape
Research-Performing Organizations
2/3 of R&D budget by private sector
Source: Federal Report on Research and Innovation 2010

8. The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs
Content
The German Research Landscape
DFG Profile
Funding Programs
International Cooperation
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

9. Funding in 2011, by scientific discipline
DFG Profile
Our Mission Statement
The DFG
Serves all branches of science and the humanities with an annual budget of 2.7 bil. €
fosters scientific excellence through competition
supports international cooperation in research
advises political and social decision-makers
supports the transfer of knowledge between science and industry
Funding in 2011, by scientific discipline
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

10. DFG Funding Portfolio Funding Programs Infrastructure
Promoting Young Researchers
International Scientific Contacts
Infrastructure
Funding Programs
Individual Grants Program
Coordinated Programs
Research Fellowships
Emmy Noether-Program
Heisenberg-Program
Reinhard Koselleck-Projects
Research Units
Priority Programs
Collaborative Research Centres
Clusters of Excellence
International Research Training Groups
Prizes
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz-Prize
Heinz Maier-Leibnitz-Prize
Communicator Award
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

11. The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs
Content
The German Research Landscape
DFG Profile
Funding Programs
International Cooperation
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

12. Career Stages in Germany
Tenure track not the traditional career model
Doctorate
Postdoc Period
Achievement of eligibility for tenure
Professorship or Scientific Mgmt. Position
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

13. Career Stages in Germany
At which point are you eligible for submitting a DFG proposal?
Doctorate
Postdoc Period
Achievement of eligibility for tenure
Professorship or Scientific Mgmt. Position
Eligible to apply
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

14. Career Stages in Germany
Where can I find DFG-funded positions in projects?
Doctorate
Postdoc Period
Achievement of eligibility for tenure
Professorship or Scientific Mgmt. Position
Eligible to apply
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

15. Where Can I Find relevant projects and institutions for my field?
Research Explorer (interactive map of German research landscape)
GEPRIS (online database on current DFG- funded projects)

16. Where Can I Find relevant projects and institutions for my field?
A sample of currently funded multiple-PI projects:
KFO 216 (Würzburg): “Characterisation of the Oncogenic Signalling Network in Multiple Myeloma: Development of Targeted Therapies.” Funding start 2009.
KFO 286 (Cologne): “Exploiting defects in the DNA damage response for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.” Funding start 2012.
SFB 1074 (Ulm): “Experimental Models and Clinical Translation in Leukemia.” Funding start 2012.

17. The DFG Funding Chain Postdoc Stage Eligible to apply Studies
Doctorate
Postdoc Period
Achievement of eligibility for tenure
Preparation for scientific mgmt. position
Professorship or scientific mgmt. position
Eligible to apply
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

18. Postdoctoral Fellowships and Positions
Postdoc Fellowships and Positions
DFG: Temporary PI Position
Humboldt Research Fellowship
DAAD Fellowships
Others...
Volkswagen Foundation: Freigeist Fellowship
Helmholtz Postdoc Program
EU Commission: Incoming Fellowship
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

19. Postdoc Fellowships and Positions
DFG –
Temporary PI Position
DAAD – Fellowships (with AICGS, Leo Baeck, Roche Diagnostics, DLR, and Leibniz)
Helmholtz Postdoc Program
AvH – Humboldt Research Fellowship
EU Commission – Incoming Fellowship
VW Foundation-Freigeist Fellowship
Application Requiments
PhD
Depends on program
< 1 year since PhD
< 4 years since PhD
PhD or > 4 years research experience
< 5 yrs. since PhD
Deadlines
anytime
1 call per year in the spring through the Helmhotz Centres
August 14, 2013
June 15, 2013
Number
348
Duration (yrs.) 3
2-3
6 months to
2 years
1-2
< 5
Link
With AICGS, Leo Baeck, Roche Diagnostics, DLR, and Leibniz
556 new ERC Starting Grants approved in 2012 in the whole of Europe
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

20. Temporary Position as Primary Investigator
Select your own research environment
Who? Postdocs
Where? At a German research institute (host becomes employer)
How long? Max. 3 years
How much? Salaried position (approx. $ p.a.) Funding for
consumables
personnel
travel costs etc.
How to apply? To the DFG
Eligible: Qualified researchers (as a rule, those holding a doctorate) from all disciplines working at German research institutions
The research project is expected to be of a high academic quality and originality at an international level.
Programme description: The grant enables scientists and scholars to realise a research project on a defined subject within a limited period of time.
Support: Funding depends on the specific proposal modules: eg Basic Module, Temporary Positions for Principal Investigators, Mercator Fellows (for a full list of available modules, consult the DFG website).
Duration: The duration of funding is based on individual project requirements (as a rule, several years).
You need
a host institution and a good project idea
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

21. Appropriate funding options at each career stage
The DFG Funding Chain
Appropriate funding options at each career stage
Studies
Doctorate
Postdoc Period
Achievement of eligibility for tenure
Preparation for scientific mgmt. position
Professorship or scientific mgmt. position
Eligible to apply
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

22. Junior Group Leader Positons
Junior Research Group Programs
DFG: Emmy Noether
Fraunhofer Attract
Helmholtz: Junior Research Group
Volkswagen Foundation Lichtenberg Professorship
Max Planck Society MPG Research Group
EU Commission: ERC Starting Grant
AvH: Sofia Kovalevskaja-Award
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

23. Programs for Junior Research Group Leaders
DFG –
Emmy Noether Program
MPG-Research Group
Helmholtz-Young Investigators Group
Fraunhofer Attract
ERC Starting Grant
AvH –
Sofia Kovalevskaja-Award
VW Foundation-Lichtenberg-Professorship
Application Requiments
2-4 yrs. since PhD; prior
research experience in 2 countries
2-6 yrs. since PhD
2-7 yrs. since PhD;
(7-12 yrs for consolidators)
< 6 yrs. since PhD;
< 4 yrs. since PhD for assistant prof. (W1); < 7 yrs. for associate prof. (W2)
Deadlines
anytime
Call for proposals in autumn and by MPI when available
3-step procedure, call at the beginning of each year
2 calls per year
1 call per year
Every 2 years – Deadline of next call: July 31, 2013
Deadline of next call: June 1, 2014
Number
Ca /a
Ca. 100 running
15-20/a
ca. 30 running
80 (2012)
8 per call
Max. 10/a (in the last four yrs ~3 each year)
Duration (yrs.) 5
5 (+ extension)
Up to 8 (decreasing)
Link
556 new ERC Starting Grants approved in 2012 in the whole of Europe
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

24. Fast track to a professorship
Emmy Noether Program
Fast track to a professorship
Who? very well qualified Postdocs (2-4 yrs. after PhD), at least 1 yr. research abroad
Where? At a German research institute (host becomes employer)
How long? 5 years
How much? Salaried position (approx. $ p.a.), Funding for
consumables,
personnel,
travel costs etc.
How to apply? To the DFG
You need
a very good track record, international experience in more than one country and an excellent project idea
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

25. Appropriate funding options at each career stage
The DFG Funding Chain
Appropriate funding options at each career stage
Studies
Doctorate
Postdoc Period
Achievement of eligibility for tenure
Preparation for scientific mgmt. position
Professorship or scientific mgmt. position
Eligible to apply
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

26. Fellowships and Professorships for Experienced Researchers
DFG: Heisenberg Program
Fraunhofer: Fellowship Program PROF.x2
Helmholtz: International Fellow Award
DAAD: Visiting Professorship Program
Volkswagen Foundation: Lichtenberg Professorship
Max Planck Fellows
ERCIM Fellowship
AvH: Humboldt Research Fellow/Award
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

27. Fellowships for Experienced Researchers
Assistant to Associate Prof. Level
DFG –
Heisenberg Fellowship
AvH – Humboldt Research Fellow
Max Planck Fellow
Fraunhofer - Fellowship Program PROF.x2
Helmholtz: International Fellow Award
ERCIM Fellowship
Application Requiments
Habilitation or equivalent
< 12 years since PhD
Professor
PhD and > 3 years experience
Outstanding senior scientists and research managers
< 8 years since PhD
Deadlines
anytime
Applications submitted by Fraunhofer Institutes
Application submitted by member institutions at any time
April 30, 2013
Number 47
< 15 per year
Duration (yrs.)
< 5
6-18 months
6 months to
1 year 1
Link
556 new ERC Starting Grants approved in 2012 in the whole of Europe
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

28. Funding and Prof. Opportunities for Experienced Researchers
Associate and Full Professor Level
DFG –
Heisenberg Professorship
AvH – Humboldt Research Award
AvH – Alexander von Humboldt-Professorship
DAAD – Visiting Professorship Program
VW Foundation-Lichtenberg-Professorship
Application Requiments
Habilitation or equivalent; university must agree to continue funding the position after DFG funding expires
Full professors, directors of institutes, or similarly established researchers;
Nomination through established academics in Germany required
World leader in field.
Nominations may be made by German universities; non-university research institutions may also submit nominations jointly with a German university.
2-6 yrs. since PhD
< 4 yrs. since PhD for assistant prof. (W1); < 7 yrs. for associate prof. (W2)
Deadlines
anytime
15 April and 15 October
3-step procedure, call at the beginning of each year
Deadline of next call: June 1, 2014
Number 18
15-20/a
Max. 10/a (in the last four yrs ~3 each year)
Duration (yrs.)
< 5
6-12 months 5
Up to 8 (decreasing)
Link
556 new ERC Starting Grants approved in 2012 in the whole of Europe
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

29. The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs
Content
The German Research Landscape
DFG Profile
Funding Programs
International Cooperation
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

30. How Does the DFG Fund International Cooperation?
In all Funding Programs and by Special Mechanisms
All DFG funding programs generally allow the integration of international components as e.g. travel allowance, exchange of students/scientists, guest researchers.
Special programs are:
Funding for the initiation of international cooperation
Joint calls for proposals with partner organizations
International Research Training Groups
Mercator Fellows available as module in most programs
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

31. How Does the DFG Fund International Cooperation?
Modul: Mercator Fellows
Mercator Fellows are supposed to
Strengthen research (and teaching) in Germany
Contribute to the objective of the research project
Support early-career scientists
This module is available within the Individual Research Grant Program and for coordinated programs.
Researchers can apply (through the German host institution) for funding for a research stay of 3 to 12 months (may be divided into 3-month blocks).
Ausnahme Heisenberg
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

32. How Does the DFG Fund International Cooperation
How Does the DFG Fund International Cooperation? Program: Initiation of International Cooperation
Objective To support the initiation of international collaboration with the modules „Bilateral Workshops“, „Trips Abroad“ and „Guest Visits “
Type and Extent of Funding The modules can be combined
Trips abroad of up to three months or research stays at partner institutions. Researchers from doctoral candidates to professors may take advantage of these;
Joint workshops.
Funding is available for a maximum of 1 year. The program relies on matching funds.
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

33. How Does the DFG Fund International Cooperation?
International Research Training Groups (IRTG)
IRTGs provide
Funding for international research training at centers of scientific excellence
Structured doctoral program
Joint supervision and exchange program for doctoral students
Faculty members at German universities and their counterparts abroad apply jointly. The foreign partners are expected to acquire complementary funding from their respective source(s).
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

34. Offices North America
Contact Information
American Friends of AvH
th Street, NW, Suite 603 Washington, DC Tel
Closest Metro Stations: Farragut West (Blue/Orange Line), Farragut North (Red Line)
DFG Office North America DC
1776 I Street NW, Suite Washington, DC 20006, USA Tel Fax:
Closest Metro Stations: Farragut West (Blue/Orange Line), Farragut North (Red Line)
Margot Pfefferle, Program Coordinator ,
Communications and Outreach
Dr. Max Voegler, Director Washington Office

35. Thank you very much for your attention!
Further Information
On DFG:
On all funded projects:
On more than 17,000 German research institutions:
The DFG and Other Research Funding Programs/ Dr. Max Vögler
Washington, DC, April 11, 2013

36. Key Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) Funding Programs At a Glance www
Key Alexander von Humboldt (AvH) Funding Programs At a Glance
Origin
Career stages
Academics from abroad
Academics from Germany
Graduates
(up to 12 years after completion of bachelor’s)
German Chancellor Fellowship (for citizens of the US, Russia, and China)
Postdoctoral researchers
(up to 4 years after completion of doctorate)
Humboldt Research Fellowship
Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship
Junior research group leaders
(up to 6 years after completion of doctorate)
Sofja Kovalevskaja Award
Experienced researchers
(up to 12 years after completion of doctorate)
(up to 18 years after completion of doctorate)
Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award
Internationally renowned academics
Humboldt Research Award
Alexander von Humboldt Professorship
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors:
academics at different career stages, usually after completion of a doctorate
academics from abroad who wish to conduct research in Germany
academics from Germany who wish to conduct research abroad 36 36

37. Key German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Funding Programs www. daad
Key German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Funding Programs
Origin
Career stages
Academics from abroad
Academics from Germany
Students
Group study visit
RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering)
Rise worldwide
Graduates
RISE professional
Postdoctoral researchers
Research Grant
Faculty
Visiting Professorship
Short-term lectureship
Experienced researcher
Research Visit 37 37

38. Key German Research Foundation (DFG) Funding Programs At a Glance www
Key German Research Foundation (DFG) Funding Programs At a Glance
Origin
Career stages
Academics from abroad
Academics from Germany
Graduates
Postdoctoral researchers
(up to 4 years after completion of doctorate)
Coordinated Programs
Research Units Priority Programs Collaborative Research Centers Clusters of Excellence International Research Training Group
Temporary Position for PI
Junior research group leaders
Emmy Noether Program
Experienced researchers
(up to ? years after completion of doctorate)
Heisenberg Program
(up to ? years after completion of doctorate)
Mercator Fellow
Internationally renowned academics
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize
Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Prize
Communicator Award
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors:
academics at different career stages, usually after completion of a doctorate
academics from abroad who wish to conduct research in Germany
academics from Germany who wish to conduct research abroad 38 38