Under the heading ”Themes”, funding is offered for cooperative projects that combine a clearly defined research programme with the development of core areas or structural development at the applicant institution. The collaboration brings together coherently interrelated projects and offers recognisable added value compared with implementing these projects individually. Funding is long-term, which is consistent with the nature of the research programme and the intended structural effect. Universities and equivalent doctorate-granting institutions are eligible to submit proposals either individually or jointly with other institutions. Initially a draft proposal is submitted, after which the applicants may be invited to submit a full proposal. The resources required are justified by a work programme that is clearly structured in terms of research content, duration and personnel. Evaluation is based on the scientific quality of the joint collaboration and its individual projects, as well as the development of core areas and structures at the applicant university.

• Collaborative Research Centres / Transregios
  Collaborative Research Centres are long-term university-based research institutions, established for up to 12 years, in which researchers work together within a multidisciplinary research programme.