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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.

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).

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