The “Discipline-Specific Information Services” Programme
The DFG's Discipline-Specific Information Services programme funds the development of advanced digital research information services tailored to the needs of specific scientific communities in Germany.
Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates: February 15, 2027 (binding letter of intent) | September 15, 2026 (full application) | April 15, 2027 (full application)
Funding Amounts: No formal upper limit; substantial DFG funding, but applicants must provide ~1/3 of total project costs as institutional contribution.
Summary: Funds the creation and expansion of digital, discipline-specific information services for researchers in Germany, fostering advanced access and collaboration.
Key Information: Substantial institutional co-funding required (~1/3 total costs); eligibility limited to scientific libraries/infrastructure facilities in Germany.
Description
The “Discipline-Specific Information Services” programme (Fachinformationsdienste, FID) by the German Research Foundation (DFG) supports the establishment and further development of digital information services tailored to the needs of specific research communities in Germany. These services aim to provide rapid, location-independent access to specialised literature and research resources, complementing local university and research institution infrastructures. The programme seeks to foster a networked, interoperable structure among individual services, encourage cooperation, knowledge transfer, technology reuse, and the creation of shared standards. It also promotes self-organisation and collaboration among institutions to develop overarching discipline-specific information services and standards.
