Direct comparison
DFG Individual Grants vs Coordinated Programmes
Compare DFG's Individual Grants Programme with Research Units, SFB, and Priority Programmes -- scale, team structure, duration, and which fits your project.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | Individual Grants Programme | Research Units (FOR) | Collaborative Research Centres (SFB) | Priority Programmes (SPP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it funds | A single, self-defined research project proposed by one applicant, in any discipline | A coordinated set of related sub-projects (DFG describes this as fewer than ten) pursuing a shared research question | A long-term, university-based, multidisciplinary research programme built around one overarching theme | Multiple funded projects nationwide, addressing a topic the DFG Senate sets annually -- DFG cites capacity for up to 30 individual projects |
| Who applies | One principal investigator, applying on their own behalf | A coordinator submits on behalf of the participating investigators, most of whom are based at universities | A host university submits on behalf of the participating chairs/professorships hosting the centre | A coordinator submits the programme outline; individual investigators across Germany then submit their own project proposals into the approved programme |
| Team / institutional scale | One project team led by a single PI (who may still employ postdocs or doctoral researchers on the grant) | Typically several to under ten coordinated projects, usually concentrated at one or a small number of institutions | Multiple subprojects at a single host university, occasionally with a small number of partner institutions | Researchers at institutions across the whole of Germany, not concentrated at one location |
| Typical duration | As a rule, several years per funding period; renewable indefinitely via follow-up proposals submitted before funds run out | Up to 8 years, in two 4-year funding periods | Up to 12 years, reviewed periodically by DFG | Up to 6 years, in two 3-year funding periods |
| Best fit for | A researcher who wants to pursue their own defined project without building a formal multi-investigator structure | Several investigators whose separate but related projects genuinely benefit from shared coordination and infrastructure | A university building or sustaining a long-term, multidisciplinary research profile around a major theme | A research community wanting a national, programme-level call to coordinate work on a current topic across institutions |
| How to apply | Draft proposal submitted at any time -- there is no fixed submission deadline | Coordinator submits a joint proposal in response to a periodic Research Unit call/review | Initiated through an internal SFB initiative process before a full proposal goes to external review | DFG's Senate decides new Priority Programme topics annually (typically in March); a call for individual project proposals follows |
Common questions
FAQ
Can one investigator hold an Individual Grant and also participate in a Coordinated Programme at the same time?+
Yes, in principle -- an investigator already participating in a DFG Research Unit, SFB, or Priority Programme project can still hold a separate Individual Grant for unrelated work. DFG's review process checks for overlapping funding of the same work, so confirm current rules directly with DFG before applying for both around the same project.
Do I need a doctorate to apply to any of these DFG programmes?+
Yes. Both the Individual Grants Programme and DFG's coordinated programmes require applicants to be qualified researchers -- as a rule, holding a doctorate -- at a German research institution.
Which DFG coordinated programme runs the longest?+
Of the three compared here, Collaborative Research Centres (SFB) run longest, up to 12 years. Priority Programmes (SPP) run up to 6 years, and Research Units (FOR) run up to 8 years.
Can a Research Unit be structured for clinical/medical research?+
Yes. DFG notes that Research Units can be structured as Clinical Research Units for patient-oriented research, or integrated into broader initiatives such as Centres for Advanced Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
