Research Training Groups
Research Training Groups are established by universities to promote early career researchers. They are funded by the DFG for a period of up to nine years. Their key emphasis is on the qualification of doctoral researchers within the framework of a focused research programme and a structured training strategy. Research Training Groups with an interdisciplinary approach are warmly welcomed.
The aim is to prepare doctoral researchers for the complexities of the job market in science and academics and simultaneously to encourage early scientific independence.
Information about the Programme
Eligibility Requirements
Universities or Equivalent Higher Education Institutions
Proposal Requirements
Research programme - high scientific quality and originality (interdisciplinary approach desired) at an international level
Qualification programme - of direct relevance to the research programme, including innovative teaching and supervision elements, which should clearly extend beyond the courses (doctoral colloquia) usually offered in doctorate programmes
Visiting researcher programme - integrated into the qualification programme, adding internationalisation to the training provided
Type and Extent of Funding
Posts for doctoral researchers and postdocs.
Grants for doctoral researchers, applicants holding a degree from a university of applied science (Fachhochschule) or a Bachelor's degree.
Funds for visiting researchers, research students, travel, workshops, small equipment, consumables, coordination, miscellaneous.
Funding Period
Up to nine years
In the case of Research Training Groups whose establishment proposal is decided on by November 2021, one funding period lasts four and a half years.
For Research Training Groups whose establishment proposal is decided on in May 2022 or later, the first funding period is five years and the second funding period is four years.
Forms and Guidelines
International Research Training Groups
International Research Training Groups provide opportunities for joint doctoral training programmes between German universities and universities abroad. The research and study programmes are jointly developed and supervised. Doctoral students in the programme complete a six-month research stay at the respective partner institution. Interner Linkmore
Proposal Deadlines
Draft proposals: no deadline
Establishment proposals – following consultation with the DFG’s Head Office – are accepted at any time.
Decision-Making Bodies
Senate Committee on Research Training Groups
This Senate Committee is responsible for advising the DFG’s decision-making bodies on issues relating to Research Training Groups, for giving the final recommendation for draft proposals and for preparing the final decisions by the relevant Grants Committee. The members of this Senate Committee also serve as the academic and scientific members of the DFG Grants Committee on Research Training Groups.
- Interner LinkMembers of the Senate Committee
- Interner LinkInformation on the Proposal, Review and Decision-Making Process
Meetings of the Senate Committee:
- 4 May 2023
- 6 November 2023
Grants Committee on Research Training Groups
The Grants Committee on Research Training Groups is responsible for the establishment and funding of Research Training Groups. The committee is made up of 39 scientists and academics elected by the DFG's Senate from all research areas, and two representatives of the federal government (Bund) and one representative from each of the 16 federal states (Länder).
- Interner LinkMembers of the Grants Committee
- Interner LinkInformation on the Proposal, Review and Decision-Making Process
Meeting of the Grants Committee:
- 5 May 2023
- 7 November 2023
Facts and Figures & Other Information
- Research Training Groups – A Long History of Success
- Annual Surveys
- The RISE (Research Internship in Science and Engineering) Programme
- Compatibility of Family & Career
- German National Academic Foundation Doctoral Forums
Contact
Content-related queries
Financial queries