Finding the right funding programme

Which funding programme is suitable for me? This question is one that is often asked. 

In order to answer it, we provide a direct comparison of the following four programmes: Walter Benjamin Programme, Emmy Noether Programme, Heisenberg Programme and Individual Research Grants Programme. The module Temporary Position for Principal Investigators is not a separate funding programme but an option under the Individual Research Grants Programme. 

For full details and the modules available in each case, see the description of the individual programmes.

Are you looking for a different funding programme?

In addition to this section on individual funding, the DFG offers a wide range of other funding programmes. For a complete overview of all DFG programmes, see here.
 

Did you know? In our GEPRIS database you can take a look at which people and projects are already being funded in your subject area or at your institution.

Further questions?

Focus: Investigators

Focus: Themes

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Walter Benjamin ProgrammeEmmy Noether ProgrammeHeisenberg ProgrammeIndividual Research Grants Programme

Foundation for an academic career


Programme description
Guidelines

Leadership of an independent junior research group to qualify for a professorship


Programme description
Guidelines

Pathway to a professorship


Programme description
Guidelines

Your research project with the option of funding for your temporary principal investigator position / temporary substitute clinician position


Programme description
Guidelines

Funding objective

 

  
Mobility (domestic/foreign), independence and further exploration of subject area. As a rule, a change of institution is required.Obtain eligibility for a professorship through independent leadership of a Junior Research Group.Preparation for an academic leadership position and the opportunity to work on advanced research topics.Opportunity to carry out a research project of high scientific quality and originality, on a specifically defined topic within a limited period of time, at an international level.
Target group

 

  
Researchers from all disciplines in an early career phase after their doctorate.Outstanding researchers from all disciplines up to four years after their doctorate who have substantial international research experience and usually at least two years of postdoctoral experience.Researchers of all disciplines who are eligible for appointment to a professorship and who are able to demonstrate outstanding academic achievements.Researchers from all disciplines who have completed their academic training (doctorate).
Funding period

 

  
Usually up to two yearsSix yearsMaximum five yearsUsually three years
Funding for the applicant as project leader  
Yes, in the variants
• Walter Benjamin fellowship (abroad)
• Walter Benjamin position (Germany)
• Temporary substitute clinician position (Germany)
Yes, in the variants
• Emmy Noether independent junior research group leader
• Temporary substitute clinician position
Yes, in the variants
• Heisenberg position
• Heisenberg temporary substitute clinician Position
• Heisenberg professorship
• Heisenberg fellowship
Yes (optional), in the variants
• Temporary position for principal investigator
• Temporary substitute clinician position
Project-specific costs

 

  
Not eligible for funding. Costs must be covered by the host institution.Yes, e.g. for personnel, consumables, publication expenses, workshops ...Cannot be applied for directly but via an accompanying research grant.Yes, e.g. for personnel, consumables, publication expenses, workshops ...
FAQs   
Any questions about the Walter Benjamin Programme?Any questions about the Emmy Noether Programme?Any questions about the Heisenberg Programme?Any questions about Individual Research Grants Programme?

Are you looking for a different funding programme?

In addition to this section on individual funding, the DFG offers a wide range of other funding programmes. For a complete overview of all DFG programmes, see here.
 

Did you know? In our GEPRIS database you can take a look at which people and projects are already being funded in your subject area or at your institution.

Further questions?