DFG advice

Are you a professor and would you like to submit a proposal for a new collaborative project to the German Research Foundation? Research and Early Career Support at FAU supports you during the entire process from developing the idea up until the review. The sooner you contact us, the better we can tailor our advice to your individual situation and assist the application process with our experience.

Services provided by Research and Early Career Support for DFG collaborative projects

  • Checking proposals
  • Lists of providers for locations, hotels, accommodation, catering and coaches
  • Lists of providers of professional proof-reading services, scientific editing or printing companies
  • Initial funding for DFG collaborative projects
  • Sample applications and presentations
  • Compilation of questions for reviews
  • Drawing up the President’s presentation for review
  • FAUconnect
  • Establishing contact to experienced applicants
  • Networking event FAUnetwork CRC and FAUnetwork coordinators
  • Tips and information on rehearsals
  • Tips and monitoring
  • Templates and contacts for aspects relating to support structures

Funding program CRC/TRR

Funding program RTG

Funding program FOR

Points of contact for advice on support structures

Professors

Contact

Topics: Advice about DFG funding programs and how to apply, support for early career researchers, university coordinator for matters regarding the DFG

CS

Contact

HM

Contact

ML

Contact

MW

Contact

Central email address: forschungsdaten@fau.de

KM

Contact

BM

Contact

IR

Contact

Please contact the team at H3 for advice on formal aspects and budget. Whom to contact depends on the surname of the head of your department/institute. If you don’t know whom to contact, please use the following generic address: Office H3

Funding program CRC/TRR

Contacts

SP

Contact

CB

Contact

Information

Traditionally, a CRC is applied for and run by one university. It focuses on a comprehensive research program by pooling the resources available at the university. It is possible for sub-project leaders from other universities and extramural research institutions to get involved.

A CRC/transregio (TRR) is applied for and run jointly by two or three universities. It allows close collaboration between these universities and the researchers based there, as well as allowing resources to be shared.

One funding period lasts four years. The maximum funding duration can last for 3 funding periods.

Funding available for a CRC amounts to approximately 2-3 million euros per year and covers the following:

  • Personnel costs, investment funds, consumables
  • Travel
  • Symposia
  • Guests and visiting professorships
  • International cooperation
  • Coordination and service projects
  • Support for early career researchers including integrated research training group (MGK)
  • Equality and diversity measures
  • Information infrastructure
  • PR and transfer projects

The number of applicants (principle investigators, PIs) and scientific sub-projects depends on the requirements of the specific CRC, the DFG does not have any requirements or make any recommendations in this respect. Our experience indicates that CRCs generally have between 15 and 40 PIs and 15 to 22 scientific sub-projects.

Frequently asked questions on the CRC funding program and answers from the DFG.

Drafting phase: 50.06,  60.003

Template for draft proposals: 53.120

Submitting proposals: 60.011

Proposal template: 60.100

Review: 60.022

Duration of phase: at least 6 months

  1. Decide on a topic and recruit the core team
  2. Initial consultation with Research and Early Career Support
  3. Get in touch with point of contact at DFG
  4. Present project to faculty and/or department (arrange date/s yourself)
  5. Meeting with Vice President Research (VP-R) (appointment via Research and Early Career Support)
  6. Consult experts on aspects concerning support structures and the relevant passages in the text
  7. Consult H3 on formal aspects and budget
  8. If applicable, discuss equipment budget with the Chancellor (appointment arranged by H3)
  9. Presentation of the project to FAU committees (appointment arranged by H3)
  10. Initial check and review of the passages relating to support structures in the draft proposal by experts and Research and Early Career Support
  11. Final inspection of the draft proposal via H3 at least 4 weeks before submission
  12. Draft proposal submitted by spokesperson
    • Submit draft proposal via DFG-elan portal
    • Sign receipt from DFG elan portal and send it to H3 for the President to sign
    • Send signed receipt and 8 printed copies of the draft proposal to DFG
  13. Send the digital version of the draft proposal to H3 and Research and Early Career Support

Duration of phase: at least 6 months

  1. Steps after draft proposal submitted to DFG:
    • Formal inspection of draft proposal
    • Arrange an appointment for a consultation (inform Research and Early Career Support)
    • Several rehearsals of the consultation are recommended (support provided by Research and Early Career Support)
    • DFG Head Office decides on the consultation panel: approximately five researchers from the relevant subject area and one member from the relevant subject area from the Senate Committee on CRCs (reporting officer) and members of staff from DFG Head Office
  2. Consultation (online, via Webex)
    • Participants: 5-6 representatives of the initiative plus consultation panel
    • Presentation of the project lasting 10-15 minutes and followed by a discussion lasting 1.5 hours
  3. Decision on draft proposal
    • Consultation panel evaluates the draft proposal and draws up an assessment for the Senate Committee on CRCs on the basis of the draft proposal and the consultation.
    • Reporting officer presents the consultation panel’s assessment to the Senate Committee on CRCs (May/November)
    • DFG communicates recommendation of the Senate Committee on CRCs to spokesperson (e.g. call to submit a proposal)

Duration of phase: at least 9 to 10 months

  1. Spokesperson and DFG decide on a date for submitting the proposal (2 months before review) and for the review
  2. Inform H3 of both dates in good time (H3 is responsible for coordinating appointments with the Ministry, Executive Board, experts)
  3. Submit a draft proposal to DFG at the latest 6 months before the date of the review (only goes to DFG Head Office to allow them to select reviewers)
  4. Spokesperson is responsible for organizing review, including
    • Booking rooms (approximately 6 months in advance, also for rehearsals)
    • Reserving 15 hotel rooms in consultation with DFG (at least 6 months in advance)
    • Ordering catering
    • Informing Research and Early Career Support of the dates for the rehearsals
    • Forwarding the program for the DFG review to H3 and Research and Early Career Support
  5. Initial check and review of the passages relating to support structures in the proposal by experts and Research and Early Career Support
  6. Final inspection of the proposal via H3 at least 4 weeks before submission
  7. H3 arranges for the proposal to be signed by the President (please note that in the case of a transregio, this phase takes a particularly long time, as all partners have to sign)
  8. Spokesperson submits the proposal to DFG: 20 printed copies and USB stick with “Documentation for DFG Head Office” (see DFG Guidelines 60-011)
  9. Send 2 printed copies and an electronic version of the proposal to H3 and Research and Early Career Support (H3 forwards it to the Ministry)

Duration of phase: 2 to 3 months

  1. Rehearsals for preparing for the on-site review (we would recommend more than one, support from Research and Early Career Support and experts)
  2. Preparation of the President’s presentation about the University, via Research and Early Career Support
  3. Meeting with the President to prepare the on-site review (via Research and Early Career Support); in the case of TRR: additional appointment with heads of the other universities involved in the project
  4. On-site review
    • Review panel: approximately 10 reviewers, one member from the DFG Senate Committee on CRCs from the subject area and one with another subject background (reporting officer), at least one member of a pertinent DFG review board, members of staff from DFG Head Office
    • Day 1 (whole day, beginning at 11 am): Presentation (presentation and poster session) of the CRC and statement from the Executive Board, attended by the review panel, President, Chancellor, if Universitätsklinikum is involved then also the commercial director, as well as Research and Early Career Support, Office of Equality and Diversity and Dr. Jürgen Kleinöder (CIO)
    • Day 2, 9 am to 9:30 am: Time slot for reviewers to pose questions to the CRC consortium. This is followed by the internal closed meeting of the review panel and Ministry.
    • After the closed meeting of the review panel (as of approx. 3 pm): DFG announces preliminary result to CRC board (up to 3 people), President, Chancellor and possibly Ministry
  5. Negotiations on support from initial budget between DFG, Executive Board and spokesperson (via H3); FAU informs DFG of its final acceptance of the offer (in the case of TRR via the university filing the proposal)
  6. Reporting officer presents the consultation panel’s assessment to the Senate/Grants Committee on CRCs (May/November)
  7. Decision about proposal
    • DFG communicates recommendation of Grants Committee on CRCs to spokesperson.

 

Funding program RTG

Contacts

CS

Contact

HM

Contact

Information

A research training group (RTG) comprises a particularly innovative and coordinated collaborative research project that often has an interdisciplinary focus on the one hand, and on the other, a structured training program for doctoral candidates in the relevant field of research. The aim is the groundbreaking development of the research area and the increase in the quality of doctoral degrees and doctoral supervision in a cooperative and demanding research environment.

International research training groups are a special variant in which universities in Germany and abroad work together in a collaborative research project to offer a structured doctoral program together. Both locations complement each other due to their specific expertise, and complementary funding from funding providers in the partner country is expected.

The total funding duration is nine years, with the first funding period lasting five and the second funding period lasting four years. A decision is made as to whether to continue funding after the first funding period on the basis of a renewal proposal.

The funding amount is usually 1 to 2 million euros per year and covers above all the personnel costs of the doctoral candidates.

A group of five to ten university lecturers are responsible for a research training group. The researchers involved should originate from one location although, in exceptional cases, several national locations can apply for a research training group together.

During the nine year funding phase, financing can usually be provided for up to 30 doctoral candidates for 36 to 48 months each.

Frequently asked questions on the RTG funding program and answers from the DFG.

All forms and information sheets from the DFG about RTG are available here.

The most important documents are:

  • Guidelines Research Training Groups and International Research Training Groups (50.07)
  • Draft Proposal Preparation Instructions for Research Training Groups and International Research Training Groups (1.303)
  • Proposal Preparation Instructions – Proposals to Establish Research Training Groups and International Research Training Groups (54.05)
  • Project Description – Draft Proposals for Research Training Groups and International Research Training Groups (53.60 elan)
  • Project Description Research Training Groups and International Research Training Groups (53.61 elan)
  • Guidelines for Reviewing Draft Proposals to Establish Research Training Groups or International Research Training Groups (1.304)
  • Guidelines for Reviewing Proposals to Establish or Renew Research Training Groups or International Research Training Groups (1.305)

Funding program FOR

Contacts

SP

Contact

LZ

Contact

Information

With its Research Units funding line (FOR, KFO, KFG), the DFG supports close collaboration between excellent researchers in the medium term in complex projects that go beyond the possibilities of individual funding.

Research Units (FOR): General topic-related groups

Clinical Research Units (KFO): Support clinical research oriented towards disease and patient care with the intention of becoming established in hospitals in the long term

Centres for Advanced Studies (KFG): Specially designed for research in the humanities and social sciences.

One funding period lasts four years. The maximum funding duration can last for 2 funding periods.

Applications for the following funding can be made as part of a DFG research unit in order to receive comprehensive support for the project:

By sub-project managersand spokespersons: 

  • Basic module (Equipment, personnel, investments) 
  • One own position (for project management) 
  • Deputies (for release from teaching obligations/administration) 
  • Professorship (co- or advance financing by DFG) 
  • Rotation positions (for physicians conducting research) 
  • Workshops (project-specific) 
  • Mercator fellows (visiting scientists) 
  • Public relations 

By the spokesperson of the research unit only: 

  • Coordination (coordination funding, additional support for underrepresentation) 
  • Joint funding (joint resources for the group) 
  • Startup grants (for early career researchers) 
  • Lump sum for equality (up to 15,000 euros/year for equality and diversity) 

The number of researchers and sub-projects in research units is flexible and depends on the subject. Close and coordinated collaboration is vital. A single-digit number of sub-projects is usually recommended for the first funding period. 

Centres for Advanced Studies comprise 2-3 lead researchers who collaborate closely with changing fellows. They do not have sub-projects 

Frequently asked questions about the FOR funding line and answers from the DFG are available here.

Guidelines Research Units Program: 50.04

Proposal Preparation Instructions – Draft Proposals and Proposals to Establish or Renew Centres for Advanced Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences 54.03

Template for draft proposals: 53.20

Submitting proposals: 53.02

Proposal template: 53.01

Review: 10.208

Duration of phase: at least 6 months

  1. Decide on a topic and recruit the core team 
  2. Initial consultation and advice from Research and Early Career Support 
  3. Get in touch with point of contact at DFG 
  4. Present project to faculty and/or department (arrange date/s yourself) 
  5. Draft proposal is checked by and feedback provided by Research and Early Career Support 
  6. Draft proposal is submitted via DFG-elan portal by spokesperson  
  7. Send the digital version of the draft proposal to Research and Early Career Support 
    • Steps after draft proposal submittedto DFG:  
    • Formal inspection of draft proposal 
    • Written review of draft proposal by 2-3 reviewers 
    • DFG review board makes a statement/recommendation to the DFG Senate on the basis of the review 
  8. Decision on draft proposal 
    Recommendation or no recommendation for submitting an application
    by the DFG Senate 

Duration of phase: 7 to 10 months

  1. Spokesperson and DFG decide on a date for submitting the proposal (2 months before review) and for the review
  2. Research and Early Career Support are informed of the dates for the rehearsals early on
  3. Spokesperson is responsible for organizing review, including
    • Booking rooms (approximately 6 months in advance, also for rehearsals)
    • Reserving 6-8 hotel rooms in consultation with DFG (at least 6 months in advance)
    • Ordering catering
    • Informing Research and Early Career Support of the dates for the rehearsals
    • Forwarding the program for the DFG review to Research and Early Career Support
  4. Research and Early Career Support checks the draft proposal and provides feedback
  5. Spokesperson then submits proposal to DFG
  6. Rehearsals for preparing for the on-site review (we would recommend more than one, support from Research and Early Career Support)
    • If requested: Preparation of the President’s presentation about the University, via Research and Early Career Support
  7. Meeting with the President to prepare the review (via Research and Early Career Support)
  8. On-site review
    • Review panel: Approx. 6 reviewers, as well as one member of the subject area (reporting officer), members of staff from DFG Head Office
    • 1-2 days: Presentation (presentation and poster session) of the FOR funding line (on request) statement from Executive Board in the presence of the review panel, President, Research and Early Career Support
    • After the closed meeting of the review panel: DFG announces preliminary result to FOR board (up to 3 people)
  9. Reporting officer presents the assessment of the review panel to the DFG Senate (meets 4 times a year)
  10. Decision about proposal
    • DFG communicates recommendation of DFG Senate to spokesperson

Support with administrative and legal matters

Would you like to submit a proposal for a DFG collaborative project and require support with administrative and legal matters? Please contact H3.

Support with administrative and legal matters