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Funding organisations
There are various organisations in Germany that fund research projects and individual researchers.
The largest organisations that award financial support to individuals and their research projects are the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. In addition to these large funding organisations, many other public and private bodies provide financial support for science and research. Important donors include not only Germany’s federal and state governments, but also the European Union. A large number of charitable foundations have also set themselves the goal of supporting research and junior researchers.
When it comes to the support and funding of research projects, non-university research institutions and industry play a major role in Germany’s funding system. They especially support young researchers with job offers.
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) is the central funding organisation for research at higher education and public research institutions in Germany. It supports research projects and funds cooperation between researchers – also at an international level.
European Union
The European Union (EU) funds research in a variety of ways through its research and innovation framework programme. These measures include not only support for basic and applied research, but also funding programmes for collaboration and exchange in higher education.
Fraunhofer
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft based in Germany is the world’s leading applied research organisation. Prioritising key future-relevant technologies and commercialising its findings in business and industry, it plays a major role in the innovation process. A trailblazer and trendsetter in innovative developments and research excellence, it is helping shape our society and our future.
German Academic Exchange Service
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world’s largest funding organisation for the international exchange of students and researchers.
Helmholtz Association
The 18 Helmholtz Centres conduct research on behalf of the state and society. For example, what resources will we use to generate our energy in the future? How can we make mobility climate-friendly? What therapies will help with previously incurable diseases? The goal is to secure the basis for human life in the long term and develop technologies for a competitive economy.
Leibniz Association
The Leibniz Association is the umbrella organisation under which 96 research institutions address scientific problems that have societal and international relevance. They are characterised by the great variety of their research topics in the humanities and social sciences, as well as in the natural and engineering sciences. Leibniz institutions, universities and industry partners work together on interdisciplinary issues in Leibniz Research Alliances, Leibniz Research Networks, Leibniz Labs and Leibniz ScienceCampi.
Max-Planck-Gesellschaft
A physicist, Nobel prize winner and the founder of quantum physics, Max Planck was driven by a desire to research and understand. And this is precisely what the German research organisation that bears his name has made its guiding philosophy. The Max Planck Society has been very successful with its top-level basic research and has 31 Nobel Laureates among the ranks of its scientists.
StipendiumPlus
Thirteen organisations that work nationwide have come together to form StipendiumPlus under the umbrella of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. They support outstanding undergraduate and doctoral students.
Companies
More than two-thirds of the annual funds invested in research come from industry. Companies either conduct research themselves or collaborate with research partners. (Early career) researchers are supported not only with job offers, but also with scholarships and prizes from corporate foundations.
