Deutsche Forschungsge meinschaft

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is the self-governing body of the German scientific community. As a non-profit, non-governmental organization, DFG serves all fields of science and the humanities by funding research projects and promoting co-operation among researchers. DFG fosters relations between academic research and the private sector as well as international collaboration in research. It devotes particular attention to the promotion of young scientists. As part of its statutory mandate, DFG also advices parliaments and governments on scientific matters.

In organisational terms DFG is an association under private law. Its members are German universities, research institutions, scientific associations, and the academies of science. DFG receives funds from the Federal government and the 16 Länder governments, which are represented on all decision-making bodies.

DFG`s funding portfolio is designed to meet the diverse needs of the research community. With a broad range of programmes, DFG supports research projects in all disciplines: the humanities and social sciences, biology and medicine, as well as the natural and engineering sciences. Every researcher in Germany who has completed his or her doctorate is entitled to apply to DFG for financial assistance. A competitive multistage peer review system awards financial support for research projects solely on the basis of scientific excellence and thus ensures a quality-based allocation of funds.

Recent Funding Activities

German Research Foundation (DFG)