Collaborative Research Centres provide ideal research environments for doctoral researchers. Based on the positive experiences made and the structures established in the Research Training Groups programme, the DFG offers integrated Research Training Groups in the CRC programme. The aim is to promote the doctoral researchers’ academic independence and enable them to gain further qualifications.

Collaborative Research Centres should offer a structured doctoral training programme. If there is no suitable programme (such as a Research Training Group, graduate school or other pertinent higher education programme) available at the Collaborative Research Centre’s location, an integrated Research Training Group is to take on this task. The CRC may request extra funds specifically for this purpose. Integrated Research Training Groups make Collaborative Research Centres even more attractive to young researchers.