Long-Term Projects in the Humanities and Social Sciences
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) uses the term ‘long-term project’ to refer to research projects in the humanities and social sciences that require continuous funding for at least 7 years and a maximum of 12 years (possible examples being editions, corpora, archaeological excavations, and social or behavioural longitudinal studies). To be recognised as a long-term project, a project must be characterised by its central scholarly importance, thorough preparation and planning, and professional management.
Purpose of Funding
Conducting research projects of particular academic importance, over an extended period of time, that offer benefits extending beyond a single subject area as a result of the often infrastructural character of the projects. Long-term projects may consist of different modules. The choice of modules will depend on subject-related factors and may vary according to the research question, the disciplines involved and the desired infrastructural aspect.
Eligibility Requirements
The requirements for research grants apply.
Proposal Requirements
The academic quality and originality of the research project at the international level, with special consideration of its long-term character.
Proposal Modules:
- Basic Modul
- Temporary Position for Principal Investigato
- Replacemen
- Temporary Substitutes for Clinician
- Mercator Fello
- Project-Specific Workshop
- Public Relation
- Standard Allowance for Gender Equality Measure
Funding Duration
Minimum of 7 and maximum of 12 years; initial proposal is for a maximum of 3 years
Forms and Guidelines
From 2025 on the Cross-board Section of Long-Term Projects in the Humanities and Social Sciences will convene in the spring of each year. Proposals to be evaluated during these meetings must be submitted no later than 1 October of the preceding year. The DFG’s Joint Committee will make the final decision about the admission as a long-term project in its summer session.
The next deadline for the submission of long-term projects is thus 1 October 2024.
Responsibility for long-term projects and for advising project leaders and interested researchers lies with the programme directors of the relevant subject area.
Questions not related to a specific project and concerning the decision-making process and general aspects of long-term projects or the relationship of the DFG’s funding for long-term projects to that of the academy programme (coordinated by the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities) can be addressed to the coordinators for long-term funding:
Humanities and Cultural Studies:
- Dr. Nora Böttcher
Tel.: 0228/885-2693
Nora.Boettcher@dfg.d
Social and Behavioural Sciences:
- Dr. Eckard Kämper*
Tel.: 0228/885-2270
Eckard.Kaemper@dfg.d
Contact for administrative queries:
- Sigrid Claßen
Tel.: 0228/885-2209
Sigrid.Classen@dfg.d