Priority Programme “Combinatorial Synergies” (SPP 2458)
Priority Programme “Combinatorial Synergies” (SPP 2458) supports researchers studying finite and discrete structures to connect mathematical themes, link theory with applications and advance AI-supported research.
Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates: November 16, 2026 (First-time elan registration) | November 30, 2026 (New and renewal proposals)
Funding Amounts: Second three-year funding period within a six-year programme
Summary: Supports mathematical research connecting combinatorial themes, from fundamental questions to applications, alongside data-driven and AI-supported methods.
Key Information: Applicants normally need a completed doctorate and employment at a research institution in Germany or a German research institution abroad.
Description
The German Research Foundation (DFG) established “Combinatorial Synergies” (SPP 2458) in 2023 as a six-year Priority Programme. This call invites new and renewal project proposals for its second three-year funding period. The programme supports research on finite and discrete structures, connecting fundamental mathematical questions with applications and developing unifying theories across related areas. Its first funding period established an internationally visible combinatorics network in Germany through projects, workshops, Mercator Fellowships and Dive into Research activities.
An overarching goal is to guide the transformation of mathematical research through data and computational resources. The programme encourages mathematical software, databases, statistical and machine-learning techniques, AI agents and formalisation under FAIR principles. Proposals are strongly encouraged to explain how interaction between human mathematical insight and AI-supported methods can advance their scientific goals.
