German Research Foundation (DFG)

In addition to an overview and detailed program descriptions for all funding programs, the DFG provides numerous highly detailed guidelines and templates that must be taken into account when submitting an application.

For many program lines, the project description you prepare should follow DFG Guideline 54.01. The Funding Advisory Service at Clausthal University of Technology is happy to assist you in preparing the project description, for example, by reviewing draft proposals to ensure they are complete and consistent with the funding guidelines.

In addition, we have compiled some basic aspects of submitting a DFG application, as well as a chapter-by-chapter overview based on Guideline 54.01 with TUC-relevant notes, including information on internal support services and the availability of standard text templates that may be used.

In its program lines, the DFG generally distinguishes between grant applications submitted by individuals and those submitted by organizations.

Both applications from individuals and applications from organizations are typically created and submitted via the DFG’s ELAN portal by the person with primary responsibility (e.g., the project leader for a research grant or the spokesperson for a Collaborative Research Center). Please note that applications submitted on behalf of Clausthal University of Technology may only be submitted after approval by the Executive Board.

Even when researchers affiliated with Clausthal University of Technology submit applications in person, it is often advisable—and in some cases even necessary—to involve supporting central units. Applications submitted by individuals include, among others,

• Grants for equipment
• Individual grant applications and coordination grant applications within priority programs
• Individual applications and coordination applications within research groups
• Emmy Noether program
• Walter Benjamin program

In most of these program lines, the project description to be prepared is based on DFG Guideline 54.01. Please refer to our chapter-by-chapter overview with TUC-specific notes on the project description. For further individual consultation and application support, please contact the Funding Advisory Service at Clausthal University of Technology directly.

Grant proposals prepared and submitted on behalf of Clausthal University of Technology must be reported to the Executive Board well in advance so that the Board can be involved in the strategic direction of these initiatives. These include, among others,

• Collaborative research centers
• Graduate colleges
• Large-scale research facilities / applications for large-scale facilities under Article 91b of the German Constitution

For these funding lines, specific DFG guidelines must be followed, meaning that our aforementioned notes on Guideline 54.01 may only be applicable in a figurative sense. Please contact the Funding Advisory Service to receive comprehensive support and referrals to relevant TUC service units.

Please note that some of the information on these pages is available only to members of Clausthal University of Technology. To gain full access to our resources, you may therefore need VPN access!