Collaborative Research Centres
Collaborative Research Centres support university-based researchers in long-term multidisciplinary programmes that advance excellent group research, interdisciplinary cooperation and institutional development.
Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (New proposals) | Final funding year (Renewals) | November 24–25, 2026 (Committee meetings)
Funding Amounts: Up to 12 years in four-year periods; equity and diversity allowance up to €120,000 per period
Summary: Supports university-based multidisciplinary research centres pursuing complex, long-term research and institutional development.
Key Information: Applicant institutions must have doctoral-degree awarding rights; draft proposals and consultation are mandatory before establishment proposals.
Description
The German Research Foundation (DFG) funds Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs) to bring researchers together around ambitious, innovative and long-term multidisciplinary programmes. Centres comprise interlinked projects and coordinate university resources to advance excellent group research, interdisciplinary cooperation, institutional priority areas and structural development. Cooperation with non-university research institutions is expressly encouraged.
Traditional CRCs concentrate resources at one university, while CRC/Transregios support complementary collaboration between two or three universities. International partners and application partners can contribute to the research programme. Early scientific independence, reliable qualification conditions for early career researchers, and equity and diversity are integral priorities. Support encompasses research activities, infrastructure, training, science communication, knowledge transfer and coordination.
