Funding organisations
There are various organisations in Germany that fund research projects and individual researchers.
The largest organisations that award financial support to individuals and their research projects are the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. In addition to these large funding organisations, many other public and private bodies provide financial support for science and research. Important donors include not only Germany’s federal and state governments, but also the European Union. A large number of charitable foundations have also set themselves the goal of supporting research and junior researchers.
When it comes to the support and funding of research projects, non-university research institutions and industry play a major role in Germany’s funding system. They especially support young researchers with job offers.
Companies
More than two-thirds of the annual funds invested in research come from industry. Companies either conduct research themselves or collaborate with research partners. (Junior) researchers are supported not only with job offers, but also with scholarships and prizes from corporate foundations.
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) is the central research funding organisation in Germany. It supports research projects and funds cooperation between researchers – also at an international level.
European Union
The European Union (EU) funds research in a variety of ways through its research and innovation framework programme. These measures include not only support for basic and applied research, but also funding programmes for collaboration and exchange in higher education.
German Academic Exchange Service
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world’s largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers.
Helmholtz Association
The Helmholtz Association is the largest German research organisation. It offers several opportunities for young researchers.
Leibniz Association
The Leibniz Association brings together almost 100 research institutions covering various scientific disciplines. Leibniz Institutes offer opportunities for doctoral students, postdocs and senior researchers alike.
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
The Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science is an independent non-profit research organisation. The 86 Max Planck institutes and research facilites focus on basic research, often taking an interdisciplinary approach. They are also engaged in supporting young researchers.
StipendiumPlus
Thirteen organisations that work nationwide have come together to form StipendiumPlus under the umbrella of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. They support outstanding undergraduate and doctoral students.
