The USA and Canada play a leading role within the context of the increasing globalisation of science and research. North America – and especially the USA – continues to be the most competitive research region in the world. More than a quarter of the global funds spent on research and development are invested here.

The excellence and attractiveness of the research institutions is also reflected in the fact that more than half of all DFG-funded research fellows travel to North America for their important first career step after completing their doctorate. Transatlantic research cooperation is now part of day-to-day life in many cases, but there are still many hurdles to be overcome before a common transatlantic research area can be established.

For this reason, the DFG maintains regional expertise at its Head Office as well as running its own North America Office at two locations (Washington D.C. and New York).