Infrastructure Priority Programme “Research Vessels” (SPP 2520)
The Infrastructure Priority Programme “Research Vessels” (SPP 2520) by the German Research Foundation funds interdisciplinary marine research using Germany’s research vessels for innovative ocean science projects.
Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (elan portal registration) | December 2, 2026 (full proposal submission)
Funding Amounts: Funding for vessel-based research projects, typically up to 3 years per project within the 2026–2031 programme phase.
Summary: Supports innovative, interdisciplinary marine research using Germany’s research vessels, with funding for expeditions and initial sample/data analysis.
Key Information: Registration in the elan portal is required by November 30, 2026 to submit a proposal.
Description
The Infrastructure Priority Programme “Research Vessels” (SPP 2520) by the German Research Foundation (DFG) is designed to advance marine science through funding for vessel-based research projects. Leveraging Germany's state-of-the-art fleet of research vessels, the programme addresses key oceanographic challenges and promotes interdisciplinary scientific missions. The initiative is particularly focused on supporting university participation, enabling the initial analysis of samples and data collected during expeditions, and fostering the training of early-career researchers and students. For the 2026–2031 phase, research proposals should align with one or more of these five thematic areas:
- Oceans in a changing climate
- Ocean interfaces and biogeochemical cycles
- Ocean-lithosphere dynamics
- Ocean-biosphere interactions
- Development of new ocean-based technologies and innovations
Applicants can propose research cruises using any German research vessel that participates in the joint GPF process, including RV MARIA S. MERIAN, RV METEOR (IV), RV SONNE, RV POLARSTERN, RV ALKOR, RV HEINCKE, and RV ELISABETH MANN BORGESE.
