Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates: June 3, 2026 (elan registration) | June 10, 2026 (Draft proposal) | December 2, 2026 (Full proposal, envisaged)
Funding Amounts: Research group funding for up to six years (36 + 36 months)
Summary: Supports early-career researchers establishing independent groups to develop, advance, analyse and evaluate artificial intelligence methods.
Key Information: Junior professors who have passed interim evaluation, or whose evaluation coincides with proposal review, are ineligible.
Description
The German Research Foundation (DFG) supports independent Emmy Noether Groups working on artificial intelligence methods through its strategic AI funding initiative. The call targets highly qualified early-career researchers developing or advancing AI methods, including their theoretical foundations, analysis and evaluation. Its broad scope includes machine learning, optimisation, logic and reasoning, algorithmics, data analytics and data mining, knowledge representation, knowledge-based systems, mathematical and formal foundations, and statistical learning methods.
Successful applicants can establish and lead a research group for up to six years. The programme offers substantial independence early in a research career, helping group leaders refine their research profiles, increase international visibility and qualify for a professorship. Researchers working internationally who wish to move or return to the German research system are particularly encouraged to apply.
