“Information infrastructures are technically and organisationally networked services and offerings for accessing and preserving data, information and knowledge. [They primarily serve] research purposes, are often the subject of research themselves, and always perform an enabling function. […] 

The performance capacity of digital information infrastructures depends significantly on investment in content development, user-friendly access, technical equipment, international standards and effective tools.” (RfII – Rat für Informationsinfrastrukturen – German Council for Scientific Information Infrastructures: Begriffsklärungen. [Terminology] RfII Berichte No. 1, Göttingen 2016, p. 13: https://rfii.de/?p=2039(externer Link))

Research funding is essentially aimed at generating fundamental new insights and knowledge. By contrast, the funding of information infrastructures aims to develop (or advance) technologies, systems and tools which, for example, enable scientifically relevant data to be collected, analysed, disseminated or secured in the long term.

Funding for information infrastructures focuses on their development and further advancement for science and the humanities. Infrastructure funding cannot be used to advance academic qualifications.

VIGO differs from other DFG infrastructure funding programmes in two key aspects. While under most other programmes it is the thematic focus that determines whether or not a proposal fits the programme, under VIGO, this is a necessary criterion but it is not sufficient in itself. In order to be eligible under VIGO, a proposal must not only address a topic within research-related information infrastructures, it must also include a self-organised process of dialogue with several different relevant partners that is essential to achieving the project objectives.

The programme is aimed at two main target groups:

• members of non-profit, research-related information infrastructure institutions such as libraries, archives, museums, research collections, research data centres, computing and information centres;
• members of German research institutions based in Germany or abroad.

VIGO covers the full thematic scope of research-related information infrastructures. Proposals may therefore address any relevant topic, providing they target an existing challenge in the area of the research-related information infrastructure and aim to develop a solution by pursuing self-organised dialogue with relevant actors.

A “challenge” in the context of VIGO refers to a problem in research-related information infrastructures that goes beyond individual projects or infrastructures and can only be addressed through dialogue with diverse actors. VIGO projects aim to develop a proposed solution to such a challenge.

Such challenges may involve different fields of work, target groups or levels of specificity, but they must always go beyond the needs of individual projects or institutions.

“Self-organisation” in connection with VIGO projects refers to the fact that all processes required to achieve the project objectives – including preparation, administration, communication and role distribution – must be independently and collaboratively coordinated by the actors involved. These processes are not prescribed externally, but developed in response to actual needs.

A “negotiation process” in this context refers to the full range of communication and coordination activities needed to arrive at agreements and shared positions on how to address the challenge that has been identified. This takes place through self-organised dialogue among relevant actors.

The core objective of a VIGO project is the self-organised development of a “solution” to a cross-project challenge in the area of the research-related information infrastructure in dialogue with relevant actors. The specific form of the solution should be guided by the requirements of the challenge.

Examples of solutions in VIGO projects might include concepts, data models or cooperation agreements. The exact format of the solution should be aligned with the specific requirements of the challenge that has been identified.

All projects must be demand-driven, in other words they must meet the specific needs of relevant communities; these needs may exist in research or at research infrastructure institutions. The needs analysis aims to determine these needs.

The basis for the needs analysis can be the results of workshops, surveys, theses, letters of support, etc. Existing information can be re-used.

The environment analysis shows that there is not yet an adequate or sufficient solution available to meet the needs identified. This justifies the project proposal.

With regard to the objectives of the project, the environment analysis shows which technical and organisational solutions might be used and how new solutions differ from existing ones.

At the same time, the environment analysis shows the horizontal and vertical structures in which a project can or should be embedded. “Horizontal” refers to links with other existing infrastructures (e.g. for research data or publications). Vertical integration refers to embedding an e-research technology in structures and processes at local, regional, national and international levels.

In VIGO projects, the term “project group” refers to the group of relevant actors who work together in a self-organised dialogue to develop a solution to the challenge outlined in the project. One member of the project group – usually the applicant – takes the lead.

In principle, VIGO provides funding for the types of costs listed in the modules “Basic Module” and “Project-Specific Workshops”. Three exceptions must be noted, however:

• when it comes to applying for staff funding, the benchmark is 50 percent of a TVL/TVöD E13 position per year of funding. Nonetheless, it is possible to exceed this benchmark if the underlying personnel requirement is plausibly justified.
• It is not possible to apply for a Temporary Position for Principal Investigators in VIGO projects,
• nor is the purchase of instrumentation eligible for funding under this programme.

See Forms and Guidelines(interner Link) for details.

It is possible to exceed the benchmark for funding for staff as stated in the programme guidelines if the required staffing needs are plausibly justified in the proposal.

Yes, it is possible to apply for funding for direct project costs for the purpose of awarding contracts to external service providers. However, at least one quote must be included in the proposal for each planned contract.

Yes, funding for student assistants or research assistants may be requested in connection with VIGO projects.

Funding for hardware purchases is only possible where a clear and compelling project-related need is demonstrated. Items such as desktop computers, laptops and permanent storage must be financed through core support, for example.

The aim of VIGO is to promote self-organised development of solutions to cross-project challenges in research-related information infrastructures through joint dialogue with relevant actors. As the focus is on initiating and supporting the necessary dialogue and coordination processes with the aim of finding solutions among different stakeholders, the mere development, implementation or continuation of services is not eligible for funding under VIGO.

The financial contribution depends on the specific composition of the institutions involved in a consortium and on the existing infrastructures and services that can be reused by the consortium during the funding period. During the review process, an assessment is made of whether the envisaged financial contribution appears reasonable in relation to the funds requested. In terms of form and scope, the financial contribution must demonstrate a substantial interest on the part of the applicant institution in participating in the consortium. 

Submission of a joint proposal on the part of several individuals is possible in principle. However, it should be noted that applicants are expected to act as contact persons for the DFG, also on administrative and financial issues. See also the following FAQ(interner Link).

No, it is not necessary for all members of the project group to be listed as applicants. The applicants should be those individuals who are prepared to take on a significant role in the project, ideally as leaders, and who are also willing to act as contact persons for the DFG.

Two key aspects should be considered when putting together the project group. Firstly, all members should have a meaningful role in developing a solution to the identified challenge and contribute specifically to the process. Secondly, the group should address and represent all communities and stakeholders relevant to the solution-finding process.

When submitting a VIGO proposal, it is sufficient to name an initial core group of relevant participants who are involved. Additional actors can be brought into the project group after the proposal has been submitted as needed.

Three key points should be considered when organising collaboration within a VIGO project group:

• The group should work together through a process of dialogue to develop a solution to the identified challenge.
• The dialogue and communication processes with the aim of finding solutions should be self-organised, ensuring that each member’s role and responsibilities – including leadership – are clearly defined and transparent.
• The composition of the group and its activities must not be self-serving, but must be clearly geared towards developing a solution.

In VIGO proposals, the proposed discussion formats must be closely dovetailed with the work programme. The work programme must set out clearly how the development of the solution will be advanced through structured dialogue.

The review process is based on the Key Questions for the Review – Coordinating Roles and Responsibilities in Information Infrastructures (VIGO), which are to be found on the DFG website(interner Link).

Proposals are evaluated by the Committee on Scientific Library Services and Information Systems (AWBI), based on the review process. The final funding decision is made by the DFG’s Joint Committee. General information on the DFG’s review, evaluation and decision-making processes is available on the DFG website(interner Link).