Jul 8, 2025, 15:23

DFG Heisenberg Programme

The DFG Heisenberg Programme supports outstanding post-habilitation researchers who already meet all requirements for a permanent professorship—providing up to five years of funding to continue high-quality research while preparing for a senior academic role at their chosen institution.

Eligibility Criteria:

Completed habilitation or equivalent qualification with an excellent research record.
Qualified for professorship but not yet holding a W2/W3 (tenure-track or permanent) professorship in Germany.
Includes junior professors with positive evaluations and qualified researchers returning from abroad.
Ineligible: Researchers already holding W2/W3 positions or full professorships abroad.

Funding Details:

Funding Types (select or combine):
- Heisenberg Professorship: Endowed professorship at a host institution.
- Heisenberg Position: Temporary senior research post.
- Heisenberg Temporary Substitute for Clinicians: Clinician-scientist replacement role.
- Heisenberg Fellowship: Personal fellowship to pursue independent research.
Duration: Up to 5 years.
Use of Funds: Salary for the researcher and/or project staff, research resources, and where eligible, access to DFG Research Grants for project funding.

Deadlines:

Submission: Rolling—proposals accepted at any time via the DFG elan portal.

Where to Apply & Further Information:

Apply and access guidelines via DFG’s elan direct access.
For forms and procedural FAQs, see the “Heisenberg Programme” section on the DFG website.
Scientific inquiries: Contact the relevant DFG programme division (programme contacts).
Procedural assistance: Nils Föhles (email to arrange consultation).
Financial management: DFG Fellowship Office (download contacts).