Research Training Groups
Research Training Groups support university-led groups and doctoral researchers, funding original research and structured training to foster early scientific independence and prepare for academic careers.
Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (draft, establishment and IRTG preparatory workshop proposals, following DFG consultation) | Approximately one year before first funding period ends (renewals)
Funding Amounts: Up to nine years of support; approximately €297 million programme-wide in 2026, including indirect project costs
Summary: Supports university-led groups combining original research with structured doctoral training to foster early scientific independence.
Key Information: Applicants must have relevant doctoral-awarding rights or, for universities of applied sciences, an eligible cooperative doctoral arrangement.
Description
Research Training Groups are established by universities and funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) to promote doctoral researchers through focused research programmes and structured training. The programme supports original research of high scientific quality at an international level, with interdisciplinary approaches particularly welcomed. It aims to encourage early scientific independence and prepare doctoral researchers for the complexities of the job market in science and academia.
Training must connect directly to the research programme and offer innovative teaching and supervision beyond usual doctoral colloquia. An integrated visiting researcher programme adds an international dimension. International Research Training Groups (IRTGs) extend this model through jointly developed programmes, dual supervision and reciprocal research visits involving German universities and partner institutions abroad.
