Major Instrumentation Initiatives
DFG's Major Instrumentation Initiatives fund innovative, high-cost scientific equipment to advance research by supporting acquisition of novel, large-scale instruments proposed by the research community.
Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates: No fixed deadlines; calls are issued periodically based on accepted concepts.
Funding Amounts: Supports acquisition of major, high-cost scientific equipment; amounts vary based on initiative and equipment needs.
Summary: Funds innovative, large-scale scientific instrumentation to address key research and technical challenges.
Key Information: Calls for proposals are only issued after community-submitted concepts are selected by DFG.
Description
The Major Instrumentation Initiatives program by the German Research Foundation (DFG) enables the research community to propose and secure funding for expensive, cutting-edge scientific equipment. The process begins with researchers submitting structured concepts that justify the need for specific, innovative instrumentation. These concepts must explain the scientific significance, novelty, and unique opportunities the proposed equipment would provide, clearly distinguishing it from existing technologies. If a concept is selected, DFG issues an official call for proposals, allowing eligible universities to apply for funding to acquire the specified instrumentation.
