The own junior research group
Junior research groups are independent working groups at a university or research institution (within an institute or Department ). An early career researcher with a doctorate and about 2-5 years of experience after the doctorate leads them. Junior research groups enable the group leader to conduct independent research and to develop a scientific profile. In selected programs, the junior research group leader even acquires the ability to be appointed to a professorship.
The management of junior research groups – a component of a scientific career
Various funding agencies provide funding for junior research groups – from the DFG and the EU to foundations such as the Volkswagen Foundation, and ministries.
Leading a junior research group provides you with the best prerequisites for an appointment as a university lecturer. As a rule, leading a junior research group is recognized as a habilitation-equivalent achievement (depending on the subject area). In detail, this means:
- Independent research
- Own budget = own third-party funds
- Independent management of an own working group
- Supervision of doctoral researchers
- Reputation
Overview of the Various Grant Programs
Funding Profile
The Emmy Noether program offers exceptionally qualified researchers in the early stages of their careers the opportunity to qualify for a university professorship by independently leading a junior research group (with appropriate teaching responsibilities commensurate with their qualifications) —as a path to tenure-track eligibility even without a traditional habilitation. The target group consists of postdocs and junior professors on fixed-term contracts in the early stages of their careers; junior professors who have received a positive interim evaluation are excluded.
Scope of Funding
Funding is provided for a period of 6 years. It generally covers the position of young research group leader as well as—as needed—additional personnel and material resources.
Eligibility and Deadlines
Eligible applicants are researchers from all disciplines, generally up to 4 years after earning their doctorate (medicine/psychology: up to 6 years), typically with at least 2 years of postdoctoral experience and substantial international research experience; those who have already attained tenure eligibility or are about to do so (e.g., habilitation or equivalent qualifications) are ineligible. Applications may be submitted at any time; applicants from abroad are expected to continue their research careers in Germany after the funding period (letter of intent).
Selection Process
Selection takes place through a competitive peer-review process with external evaluations; Criteria evaluated include, among others, qualifications and publication record, the originality and potential for new insights of the project, the work plan and methodology, as well as research opportunities and the environment at the host institution (including, if applicable, multiple potential host institutions).
The NRW Return Program supports highly qualified early-career researchers who are returning to North Rhine-Westphalia from abroad.
Funding Profile
The NRW Return Program supports highly qualified early-career researchers who are returning to North Rhine-Westphalia from abroad and wish to establish an independent early-career research group at a university there. The 2026 call for proposals addresses the topic “AI, digital sovereignty, and trustworthy information infrastructures.”
Scope of Funding
Funding is provided for the establishment of a junior research group at a university in North Rhine-Westphalia over a period of five years. Up to 1.25 million euros is available per junior research group.
Eligibility
Early-career researchers may apply if two to six years have passed since they earned their doctorate by the application deadline; for medicine, the deadline is up to nine years. An additional requirement is that they have been conducting successful research outside of Germany for at least twelve months and had their primary residence in Germany prior to their stay abroad; German citizenship is not required.
Deadlines and Selection Process
The application deadline for the 2026 call is January 9, 2026; the selection symposium is scheduled for May/June 2026, nominations for June/July 2026, and funding is set to begin in 2027. The process consists of two stages.
Funding Profile
The Junior Research Groups in Social-ecological Research (FONA) support interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary groups of early-career researchers in socio-ecological research focused on sustainable and resilient urban-rural regions. The goal is to train early-career researchers in socially oriented sustainability research and to prepare them to lead such research groups.
Funding Duration
Young researcher groups are typically funded for five years; the projects are intended to address a research topic of the group’s own choosing while also facilitating academic training.
Eligibility
The project proposal is prepared by the designated postdoctoral group leader and submitted through the respective institution. Funding is awarded exclusively to universities or other research institutions; the official application form must be signed by an authorized representative of the institution no later than the application deadline.
Deadlines and Selection Process
The next submission deadline for project outlines is October 30, 2026; another deadline is scheduled for April 29, 2028. The process consists of two stages.