Research Training Groups
Research Training Groups support early-career researchers through university-led research, structured doctoral training and innovative supervision to foster independence and careers in science and academia.
Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (Draft, establishment and IRTG preparatory workshop proposals) | Approximately one year before first funding period ends (Renewals) | May 28 and November 12, 2026 (Senate Committee meetings) | May 29 and November 13, 2026 (Grants Committee meetings)
Funding Amounts: Up to nine years of support; approximately €297 million programme-wide budget in 2026, including indirect-cost allowance
Summary: Supports university-led doctoral training through focused research programmes, structured qualification and innovative supervision.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted by an eligible university or equivalent institution with doctoral-awarding capacity, including qualifying universities of applied sciences.
Description
The German Research Foundation (DFG) funds Research Training Groups established by universities to promote early-career researchers, particularly doctoral researchers. Groups combine a focused research programme with structured training designed to encourage early scientific independence and prepare researchers for careers in science and academia. Research may come from any research area or faculty, and interdisciplinary approaches are welcomed. Programmes must demonstrate scientific quality and originality at an international level.
The qualification programme must directly support the research and offer innovative teaching and supervision beyond ordinary doctoral courses. An integrated visiting researcher programme strengthens internationalisation. International Research Training Groups (IRTGs) bring German universities together with partner institutions abroad to develop and jointly run research and qualification programmes, with dual supervision and reciprocal research visits.
