At the end of November, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) will be launching a large-scale survey of its applicants to gather feedback on the conditions of its research funding. 

The last survey of this nature was conducted in 2010. Since then, the DFG’s funding portfolio has evolved further: there have been changes in both the working conditions of researchers and the research policy framework. No systematic data has been collected since then regarding the role and perception of the DFG’s funding activities. 

How do researchers rate the DFG’s current research funding? What role does the DFG play in enabling research ideas to come to fruition? How do researchers rate the DFG’s funding portfolio, its proposal submission and review procedures, and the advisory services provided by its Head Office? What factors influence the implementation of projects, and how can the DFG provide support? What motivates researchers to participate in the review process?

These are just some of the questions that, from the end of November, infas will put to 10,000 randomly selected researchers by means of an online survey commissioned by the DFG. 

The aim of the survey is to collect feedback on researchers’ experience, needs and assessments as broadly as possible, use the findings to further develop the DFG’s funding portfolio, and publish them in a report. In addition, the DFG hopes to find out about the demographic composition of its applicant community.  

The survey is being conducted on behalf of the DFG. infas will carry it out entirely independently and will ensure the absolute anonymity of participants.

The DFG strongly encourages all researchers contacted by infas via e-mail to take part. Please support the DFG in its efforts to obtain the most accurate possible picture of the research conditions and needs of its applicants so that it can address them more effectively.

Further Information

Publication of the Results 

The final report is expected to be published on the DFG website in summer 2026, based on the survey data and prepared by infas. The DFG will announce its release in its newsletter “DFG-aktuell” and via its social media channels.