The DFG invites highly qualified researchers in early career phases in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to submit proposals.

AI methods have become established as key tools across a wide range of research areas and are now increasingly an integral part of the processes of knowledge acquisition in science. Research in the field of AI methods is essential in this context and includes the development and further advancement of such methods as well as their analysis and evaluation. As it continues to pursue its strategic AI funding initiative, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) aims to provide targeted support for researchers in early career phases in this field. The objective of this call is to attract the next generation of highly qualified researchers in AI method development by offering early-career opportunities involving a high degree of independence. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to establish and lead an Emmy Noether Group for a period of six years, enabling them to refine their research profile, enhance their international visibility and become eligible for a professorship. 

This call is aimed at individuals from all disciplines who specialise in the field of AI method development. Funding is available for projects that involve the development or further advancement of AI methods, including theoretical foundations, analysis and evaluation. In this context, the term AI methods is broadly understood and encompasses, but is not limited to, the following topics: machine learning, optimisation, logic and reasoning, algorithmics, data analytics and data mining, knowledge representation, knowledge-based systems, mathematical and formal foundations, statistical learning methods. 

Notes on Eligibility Requirements

Proposals can be submitted by postdoctoral researchers and holders of temporary junior or equivalent qualification professorships (W1/W2) at an early stage of their academic career, even if the professorship includes a tenure track. Junior professors who have successfully passed their interim evaluation and holders of comparable qualification professorships are no longer eligible for the Emmy Noether Programme and are therefore not eligible to submit a proposal. Furthermore, the interim evaluation must not coincide with the DFG’s proposal review process, as this would render the applicant ineligible and prevent the proposal from being considered.

Proposals can generally be submitted two to four years after completing a doctorate. Applicants who have completed their doctorates within the past two years are particularly encouraged to submit a proposal under this call in order to be able to establish themselves in research at an early stage. With regard to the four-year deadline, the standard DFG rules on calculating time limits apply (e.g. childcare periods are taken into account; see Guidelines Emmy Noether Programme (DFG form 50.02)(interner Link)).

Applicants are expected to have obtained an above average doctorate and provide evidence of significant preliminary work in the form of significant publications in internationally respected publication outlets or appropriate relevant experience based on industrial research in one of the aforementioned areas. International research experience should be demonstrated by research visits abroad, international research collaborations or work experience in an international working environment, for example.

The DFG particularly encourages proposals from those involved in international research systems who would like to switch or return to the German system. Germany has one of the most innovative and stable research systems in the world, offering postdoctoral researchers not only excellent research conditions but also a high standard of living. As an Emmy Noether Group Leader, your salary includes contributions that entitle you to benefits under Germany’s excellent social security system, including health, unemployment and pension insurance. Additionally, relocation costs to Germany can be reimbursed. Families also receive extensive support, such as statutory parental allowance or the family allowance provided under the Emmy Noether Programme.

Information on the Selection Procedure

The selection procedure consists of two stages. At both stages, the review process is based on the standard criteria applicable to the Emmy Noether Programme (see Guidelines for Reviews in the Emmy Noether Programme (DFG form 10.210)(interner Link)).

The first stage of the review process is based on draft proposals of no more than five pages. For further details on the structure, format and submission of the draft, see the section “Instructions for Draft Proposals”.

Applicants who pass the first stage will be invited to submit a proposal in line with the programme’s standard requirements. The second stage of the review process and the subsequent decision regarding funding are based on this proposal and an oral presentation by the candidate.

Instructions for Draft Proposals

Unless otherwise stated below, the following apply: Proposal Preparation Instructions (DFG form 54.01)(interner Link) and Guidelines Emmy Noether Programme (DFG form 50.02)(interner Link).

The draft proposal must not exceed five pages. Some sections and subsections that are in the Project Description – Emmy Noether Programme (DFG form 53.05)(interner Link) for proposals are omitted in the draft proposal and should not be addressed; please note Supplementary Explanation of Draft Proposals for Emmy Noether Groups under the AI Initiative(Download). 

An academic CV following Curriculum Vitae (DFG form 53.200)(interner Link) must be included as an appendix to the draft, including a list of up to ten of the most important publications. No further attachments are required at this stage.

Deadlines

The draft proposal must be submitted to the DFG by 11 June 2025. Submission is exclusively via the elan portal(externer Link) for secure data processing. 

If you are not yet registered as an applicant with the DFG, you must complete your registration at least one week prior to submission, i.e. by no later than 4 June 2025. You will generally receive confirmation of your registration by the following working day.

Invitations to submit proposals will be issued in early October. The envisaged submission deadline for proposals is 17 December 2025. The DFG’s Joint Committee is expected to make its funding decisions on 26 March 2026. Any changes to this timeline will be announced as early as possible on the DFG’s AI funding initiative website(interner Link). 

Equity and Diversity

The DFG explicitly welcomes proposals from researchers of all genders and sexual identities, from different ethnic, cultural, religious, ideological and social backgrounds, and at different types of higher education institution and research institution, as well as from researchers with disabilities or chronic illnesses. With regard to the subject-specific focus of this call, the DFG encourages female researchers in particular to submit proposals.

Good Research Practice

Following a resolution passed by the DFG’s General Assembly, DFG funding may only be awarded to institutions that have implemented the Code of Conduct – Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice(externer Link) as part of their internal regulations. The legally binding implementation of this requirement is the responsibility of your institution’s leadership. In order to prevent delays in funding disbursement, applicants should check internally at an early stage whether this requirement has been met. For information on implementing the Code of Conduct, see the Research Integrity portal(externer Link). DFG‘s Research Integrity team(externer Link) is available at the DFG Head Office to answer any further questions or provide explanations.

Further Information 

Here you will find: 

• General information on the funding initiative “Artificial Intelligence”(interner Link)
• Instructions on using the elan portal to submit draft proposals on AI under the Emmy Noether Programme(Download)
• General FAQs on the Emmy Noether Programme(interner Link)

The following information on the German research system may be of interest to international applicants:

• Research in Germany(externer Link)
• Family in Germany: Support and Services(externer Link)

A new call for AI Emmy Noether Research Groups with a similar timeline is planned for 2026. If you are interested in applying in the future and are unfamiliar with the DFG as a funding organisation or the Emmy Noether Programme, we recommend attending one of the virtual information sessions in the Prospect series(interner Link), on 28 April 2025 or 18 July 2025.

Contact Persons at the DFG Head Office

In order to ensure your enquiry is processed as swiftly as possible, please contact us initially and exclusively via e-mail at ai-initiative@dfg.de(externer Link).

Programme contacts:      

• Dr. Melanie Melching, Tel. +49 228 885-3274
• Dr. Valentina Damerow, Tel. +49 228 885-2886

Eligibility/procedural issues: Verena Aust, Tel. +49 228 885-3191

Administration: Kim Marita Wind, Tel. +49 228 885-3296

Privacy Policy

We, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation), take the protection of your personal data and its confidential treatment extremely seriously. Therefore, please refer to the DFG’s Privacy Policy(interner Link). If you intend to transmit personal data of third parties, please make sure to do so only if the necessary legitimation under data protection law exist. Before transmitting data of third parties to the DFG, please forward the DFG’s Data Protection Notice to the individuals affected (data subjects). If there is a legitimate interest not to inform individuals beforehand (e.g. for reasons of secrecy or in case of a nomination or candidate proposal), these individuals should be informed no later than at the time of publication.