Network activities
In science, international networking activities are regarded as a central factor for the quality, visibility and innovative capacity of research.
Funding profile
The DFG funding opportunity "Scientific Networks" supports cross-location, multi-year scientific exchange and cooperation activities on a self-selected research topic with the aim of achieving a clearly defined result (e.g. joint research, publications or methodological developments). Networks consist of a fixed group of people who work together in a structured manner.
Scope of funding
Within the framework of the networks, funding is provided in particular for travel and accommodation costs of the network members and any invited guests for work meetings, coordination resources (e.g. student assistants) and small publication resources (standard grant up to approx. EUR 750/year, exceptions possible).
Eligibility to apply
Researchers who have completed their scientific training (usually a doctorate) at a German or German research institution abroad are eligible to apply; the coordination can be carried out by several people, but the application is submitted by a single person. Network members can also be doctoral researchers; international persons are permitted on a pro rata basis.
Deadlines and selection procedure
Proposals can be submitted at any time via the DFG-elan portal; the funding period is up to three years.
Funding profile
COST Actions are European, open-topic, bottom-up research networks that promote scientific exchange and cooperation in a common research field over four years by supporting networking activities such as workshops, meetings, trainings and short scientific guest stays. COST Actions bring together researchers and innovators from different institutions, sectors and countries to share knowledge and pursue common goals without direct research or personnel funding.
Scope of funding
Funding covers networking activities - including travel costs, working group meetings, workshops, conferences, training and exchange programs - and not the actual research or personnel costs, which must come from other sources; the available budget is usually around 125,000 - 150,000 EUR/year per Action.
Eligibility to apply
Own Action: Researchers from at least seven COST member states or cooperating members can submit a proposal for a new Action via the COST Open Call; this requires the coordination of an interdisciplinary network and the submission of a complete proposal via the e-COST portal in accordance with the COST guidelines.
Participation in existing Actions: Researchers, institutions, NGOs, industry partners or organizations can join and participate in activities during the lifetime of an ongoing Action.
Deadlines and selection procedure
Own Action: Proposals are accepted via a continuous open call, typically with an annual deadline.
Participation in existing Actions: There are no fixed deadlines for joining ongoing Actions; researchers can participate in activities or be involved in committees as needed during the four-year term.
Funding profile
The DFG program "Initiation of International Cooperation" supports the initiation of scientific cooperation between researchers in Germany and partners abroad. Funding is provided for project preparation workshops, trips abroad and guest stays to prepare for concrete cooperation.
Scope of funding
Funding is available for travel and accommodation costs for project-related stays abroad, guest stays in Germany and project preparation workshops; the measures must be carried out within a maximum period of 12 months.
Eligibility to apply
Applications can be submitted by academics who have completed their doctorate and are working in the German academic system.
Deadlines and selection procedure
There are no fixed deadlines: applications can be submitted at any time.