Funding of up to 15 Emmy Noether AI Groups / Identification of AI-specific funding needs

The Executive Committee of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) has decided to continue its strategic funding initiative in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) with two additional rounds of calls for proposals involving funding for up to 15 Emmy Noether Groups focusing on AI methods. The first funding decisions are expected to be issued in 2026. In addition, a call for ideas is planned with the aim of identifying specific funding needs for top-level AI research in Germany so as to ensure the topic receives greater attention in connection with funding activities.

The DFG launched its strategic funding initiative in the field of artificial intelligence in 2019 as a result of two key factors: the growing importance of AI research itself, and the increasing relevance of AI methods across a wide range of disciplines.

One element of the initiative involves the funding of Emmy Noether Groups focused on AI methods so as to ensure that outstanding researchers in early career phases are able to enjoy favourable conditions in which to conduct exceptional AI research. Ultimately, the aim is to make a significant contribution and establish the next generation of leading AI researchers. Following two rounds of calls for proposals, 15 researchers have so far been admitted to the Emmy Noether Programme.

The next call for Emmy Noether Groups focusing on AI methods is scheduled for the first half of 2025. As in the previous two rounds, draft proposals will initially be requested. A review panel will select the most promising draft proposals, after which the applicants concerned will be invited to submit proposals. The first funding decisions are expected to be made in the first half of 2026. A fourth and final round of calls under this programme is planned for the first half of 2026, with funding decisions once again expected a year later.

In the second half of 2025, the DFG will also be inviting the research community to submit ideas on how to expand the current funding portfolio to address specific needs in AI research. Once they have been received and grouped by theme, these ideas will be discussed at DFG roundtable discussions involving experts and members of DFG statutory bodies.

Further Information

See here for the overview page on the DFG’s Artificial Intelligence Funding Initiative.

See here for an overview of the Emmy Noether Groups in the Field of Artificial Intelligence methods which are currently in receipt of funding.

The FAQs on the Emmy Noether Programme may also be useful.

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