Finding the right funding programme
Which funding programme is suitable for me? This question is one that is often asked.
In order to answer it, we provide a direct comparison of the following four programmes: Walter Benjamin Programme, Emmy Noether Programme, Heisenberg Programme and Individual Research Grants Programme. The module Temporary Position for Principal Investigators is not a separate funding programme but an option under the Individual Research Grants Programme.
For full details and the modules available in each case, see the description of the individual programme.
Are you looking for a different funding programme?
In addition to this section on individual funding, the DFG offers a wide range of other funding programmes. For a complete overview of all DFG programmes, see here
Did you know? In our GEPRIS databas you can take a look at which people and projects are already being funded in your subject area or at your institution.
Further questions?
Focus: Investigators | Focus: Themes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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| Walter Benjamin Programme | Emmy Noether Programme | Heisenberg Programme | Individual Research Grants Programme |
Foundation for an academic career | Leadership of an independent junior research group to qualify for a professorship | Pathway to a professorship | Your research project with the option of funding for your temporary principal investigator position / temporary substitute clinician position |
| Funding objective |
| ||
| Mobility (domestic/foreign), independence and further exploration of subject area. As a rule, a change of institution is required. | Obtain eligibility for a professorship through independent leadership of a Junior Research Group. | Preparation for an academic leadership position and the opportunity to work on advanced research topics. | Opportunity to carry out a research project of high scientific quality and originality, on a specifically defined topic within a limited period of time, at an international level. |
| Target group |
| ||
| Researchers from all disciplines in an early career phase after their doctorate. | Outstanding researchers from all disciplines up to four years after their doctorate who have substantial international research experience and usually at least two years of postdoctoral experience. | Researchers of all disciplines who are eligible for appointment to a professorship and who are able to demonstrate outstanding academic achievements. | Researchers from all disciplines who have completed their academic training (doctorate). |
| Funding period |
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| Usually up to two years | Six years | Maximum five years | Usually three years |
| Funding for the applicant as project leader | |||
| Yes, in the variants • Walter Benjamin fellowship (abroad) • Walter Benjamin position (Germany) • Temporary substitute clinician position (Germany) | Yes, in the variants • Emmy Noether independent junior research group leader • Temporary substitute clinician position | Yes, in the variants • Heisenberg position • Heisenberg temporary substitute clinician Position • Heisenberg professorship • Heisenberg fellowship | Yes (optional), in the variants • Temporary position for principal investigator • Temporary substitute clinician position |
| Project-specific costs |
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| Not eligible for funding. Costs must be covered by the host institution. | Yes, e.g. for personnel, consumables, publication expenses, workshops ... | Cannot be applied for directly but via an accompanying research grant. | Yes, e.g. for personnel, consumables, publication expenses, workshops ... |
| FAQs | |||
| Any questions about the Walter Benjamin Programme | Any questions about the Emmy Noether Programme | Any questions about the Heisenberg Programme | Any questions about Individual Researc Grants Programme |
Are you looking for a different funding programme?
In addition to this section on individual funding, the DFG offers a wide range of other funding programmes. For a complete overview of all DFG programmes, see here
Did you know? In our GEPRIS databas you can take a look at which people and projects are already being funded in your subject area or at your institution.