Emmy Noether Groups “Methods in Artificial Intelligence”
DFG Invites Highly Qualified Researchers in Early Career Phases in the Field of AI Methods to Submit Proposals under the Emmy Noether Programme
AI methods have become established as key tools across a wide range of research areas and are now increasingly an integral part of the processes of knowledge acquisition in science. Research in the field of AI methods is essential in this context and includes the development and further advancement of such methods as well as their analysis and evaluation. As it continues to pursue its strategic AI funding initiative, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) therefore aims to provide targeted support for researchers in early career phases in this field. The objective of this call is to attract the next generation of highly qualified researchers in AI method development by offering early-career opportunities involving a high degree of independence. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to establish and lead an Emmy Noether Group for a period of up to six years, enabling them to refine their research profile, enhance their international visibility and become eligible for a professorship.
This call is aimed at early career researchers who specialise in the field of AI method development. Funding is available for projects that involve the development or further advancement of AI methods, including theoretical foundations, analysis and evaluation. In this call, the term AI methods is broadly understood and encompasses, but is not limited to, the following topics: machine learning, optimisation, logic and reasoning, algorithmics, data analytics and data mining, knowledge representation, knowledge-based systems, mathematical and formal foundations, statistical learning methods. The overvie(interner Link) of existing Emmy Noether groups in the field of AI methods also provides some indication of the topics funded under this call.
Notes on Eligibility Requirements
Proposals can be submitted by postdoctoral researchers and holders of temporary junior or equivalent qualification professorships (W1/W2) at an early stage of their academic career, even if the professorship includes a tenure track. Junior professors who have successfully passed their interim evaluation and holders of comparable qualification professorships are no longer eligible for the Emmy Noether Programme and are therefore not eligible to submit a proposal. Furthermore, the interim evaluation must not coincide with the DFG’s proposal review process, as this would render the applicant ineligible and prevent the proposal from being considered.
Proposals can generally be submitted two to four years after completing a doctorate. Applicants who have completed their doctorates within the past two years are also encouraged to submit a proposal under this call in order to be able to establish themselves in research at an early stage. With regard to the four-year deadline, the standard DFG rules on calculating time limits apply (e.g. childcare periods are taken into account; see DFG form 50.0(interner Link)); it is sufficient to submit the draft proposal by the deadline.
Applicants are expected to have obtained an above average doctorate and provide evidence of significant preliminary work in the form of significant publications in internationally respected publication outlets or appropriate relevant experience based on industrial research in one of the aforementioned areas. International research experience should be demonstrated by research visits abroad, international research collaborations or work experience in an international working environment, for example.
The DFG particularly encourages applications from those involved in international research systems who would like to switch or return to the German system. Germany has one of the most innovative and stable research systems in the world, offering postdoctoral researchers not only excellent research conditions but also a high standard of living. As an Emmy Noether Group Leader, your salary includes contributions that entitle you to benefits under Germany’s excellent social security system, including health, unemployment and pension insurance. Additionally, relocation costs to Germany can be reimbursed. Families also receive extensive support, such as statutory parental allowance or the family allowance provided under the Emmy Noether Programme.
Information on the Selection Procedure
The selection procedure consists of two stages. At both stages, the review process is based on the standard criteria applicable to the Emmy Noether Programme (see DFG form 10.21(interner Link)).
The first stage of the review process is based on draft proposals of no more than five pages. For further details on the structure, format and submission of the draft, see the section “Instructions for Draft Proposals”.
Applicants who pass the first stage will be invited to submit a proposal in line with the programme’s standard requirements. The second stage of the review process and the subsequent decision regarding funding are based on this proposal and an oral presentation by the candidate.
Instructions for Draft Proposals
Unless otherwise stated below, the following apply: DFG form 54.0(interner Link) and DFG form 50.0(interner Link).
The draft proposal must not exceed five pages. Some sections and subsections that are in DFG form 53.0(interner Link) for proposals are omitted in the draft proposal and should not be addressed; please note Supplementary Explanation of Draft Proposals for Emmy Noether Groups under the AI Initiativ(Download).
An academic CV following DFG form 53.20(interner Link) must be included as an appendix to the draft, including a list of up to ten of the most important publications. No further attachments are required at this stage.
Deadlines
The draft proposal must be submitted to the DFG by 10 June 2026. Submission is exclusively via the elan porta(externer Link) for secure data processing.
If you are not yet registered as an applicant with the DFG, you must complete your registration at least one week prior to submission, i.e. by no later than 3 June 2026. You will normally receive confirmation of your registration by the next working day.
Invitations to submit proposals will be issued in early October. The envisaged submission deadline for proposals is 2 December 2026. The DFG’s Joint Committee is expected to make its funding decisions in the second quarter of 2027. Any changes to this timeline will be announced as early as possible on the DFG’s AI funding initiative websit(interner Link).
Equity and Diversity
The DFG strongly welcomes proposals from researchers of all genders and sexual identities, from different ethnic, cultural, religious, ideological or social backgrounds, from different career stages, types of universities and research institutions, and with disabilities or chronic illness. With regard to the subject-specific focus of this call, the DFG encourages female researchers in particular to submit proposals.
Good Research Practice
According to a resolution of the DFG General Assembly, DFG funding may only be awarded to research institutions that have implemented the guidelines laid down in the Code of Conduct for Safeguarding Good Research Practic(externer Link) in their own regulations. The management of your institution is responsible for implementing the guidelines in a legally binding manner. In order to avoid delays in the disbursement of funding, please verify implementation within your institution in good time. For information regarding the implementation, please refer to the Research Integrity Porta(externer Link). If you have any questions on this subject, please contact the Research Integrity tea(externer Link) at the DFG Head Office.
Further Information
Here you will find:
The following information on the German research system may be of interest to international applicants:
Contact Persons at the DFG Head Office
In order to ensure your enquiry is processed as swiftly as possible, please contact us initially and exclusively via e-mail at ai-initiative@dfg.d(externer Link).
Programme contacts:
Dr. Melanie Melching, Tel. +49 228 885-3274
Dr. Katharina Proksch, Tel. +49 228 885-3163
Dr. Valentina Damerow, Tel. +49 228 885-2868
Eligibility/
procedural issues: Verena Aust, Tel. +49 228 885-3191
Administration: Kim Marita Wind, Tel. +49 228 885-3296
Privacy Policy
We, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation), take the protection of your personal data and its confidential treatment extremely seriously. Therefore, please refer to the DFG’s Privacy Polic(interner Link). If you intend to transmit personal data of third parties, please make sure to do so only if the necessary legitimation under data protection law exist. Before transmitting data of third parties to the DFG, please forward the DFG’s Data Protection Notice to the individuals affected (data subjects). If there is a legitimate interest not to inform individuals beforehand (e.g. for reasons of secrecy or in case of a nomination or candidate proposal), these individuals should be informed no later than at the time of publication.