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:
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Completed habilitation or equivalent qualification with an excellent research record.
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Qualified for professorship but not yet holding a W2/W3 (tenure-track or permanent) professorship in Germany.
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Includes junior professors with positive evaluations and qualified researchers returning from abroad.
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Ineligible: Researchers already holding W2/W3 positions or full professorships abroad.
Funding Details:
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Funding Types (select or combine):
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Heisenberg Professorship: Endowed professorship at a host institution.
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Heisenberg Position: Temporary senior research post.
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Heisenberg Temporary Substitute for Clinicians: Clinician-scientist replacement role.
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Heisenberg Fellowship: Personal fellowship to pursue independent research.
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Duration: Up to 5 years.
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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:
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Submission: Rolling—proposals accepted at any time via the DFG elan portal.
Where to Apply & Further Information:
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Apply and access guidelines via DFG’s elan direct access.
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For forms and procedural FAQs, see the “Heisenberg Programme” section on the DFG website.
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Scientific inquiries: Contact the relevant DFG programme division (programme contacts).
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Procedural assistance: Nils Föhles (email to arrange consultation).
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Financial management: DFG Fellowship Office (download contacts).