Joint Procedure for Bilateral Projects
International collaborations are crucial for progress at the interface between chemistry and engineering. To support such projects, the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the US National Science Foundation (NSF) have agreed on a new lead agency procedure as part of their Memorandum of Understanding. This enables US and German researchers to submit joint proposals that are evaluated in a single review process, while the respective funding remains regulated at the national level. The aim is to strengthen cooperation in chemistry and selected engineering sciences and to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

Funding Areas and Requirements
Funding will be provided for projects in the DFG's fields of chemistry, process engineering and technical chemistry, as well as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and energy technology. On the NSF side, the Division of Chemistry (CHE) and the Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental and Transport Systems (CBET) are participating.

Researchers are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant program officers at the DFG and NSF before submitting their proposals to ensure that their projects are compatible with the participating programs.

Applications must clearly demonstrate the added value of transatlantic cooperation and the complementary expertise of the participating teams. Researchers should consult with the relevant program officers at the DFG and NSF before submitting their applications.

Schedule and Submission
For proposals with the DFG as the lead agency, proposals can be submitted continuously via the elan portal starting on 01 September 2025. Earlier submissions are not possible. DFG forms 50.01, 53.01, and 54.01 as well as all funding requirements must be observed.

For NSF-led proposals, the guidelines and deadlines of the participating NSF programs apply.

Equal opportunities and good scientific practice
The DFG emphasizes its openness to proposals from researchers of all backgrounds and career stages and particularly encourages female scientists to participate. Only institutions that have implemented the DFG's guidelines on good scientific practice are eligible for funding.

Contact Persons and Further Information
Detailed information on the submission procedures and the relevant contacts can be found on the DFG and NSF websites.