With Call for Proposals No. 38 the DFG and EPSRC are starting a new chapter in their cooperation in international research funding. The aim is to support joint basic research projects in all fields of engineering and physical sciences. Applications are submitted via an established lead agency procedure, in which one of the two organizations is responsible for the review. The decision on funding is then made separately, but synchronized by both institutions.

Open Topics and Flexible
The call is not limited to specific topics. All subject areas that are normally eligible for funding by the EPSRC or the DFG are eligible. Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis—there are no fixed deadlines. The prerequisite is that the project teams in their respective countries meet the general funding requirements.

It should be noted that funding is provided within the regular funding lines of both organizations. No additional funds are available. This also means that the quality of the application and the scientific strength of the team are decisive for funding – in competition with all other projects in the respective system.

Duration, Submission, and Information on Applying
The maximum project duration is three years. Applications must be submitted via the respective electronic application portal—in the case of the DFG, this is the elan portal. Detailed information on application content, formal requirements, and contact persons can be found on the DFG and EPSRC websites.

Good Scientific Practice and Diversity in Focus
As with all DFG-funded projects, only institutions that have implemented the rules for ensuring good scientific practice are eligible for funding. In addition, broad participation of researchers of all genders, backgrounds, and career stages is explicitly encouraged.

Conclusion
The new application opportunity provides a reliable structure for German-British collaborations and is a welcome opportunity for joint projects at a time when international partnerships are becoming increasingly important.

More information and links to the application portals:

DFG website: EPSRC-DFG cooperation

EPSRC website: UK-German collaboration