This funding supports close-knit, medium-term cooperation among several outstanding researchers working on a defined joint research task. Research Units typically last up to eight years and include fewer than ten coordinated projects, mainly based at universities. The program promotes early career researchers, equity, diversity, and international collaboration, offering flexibility in network structure and integration with broader research initiatives.
Eligible applicants are researchers in all disciplines at German research institutions who have completed their academic training, typically holding a doctorate. Commercial organizations and those unable to publish results publicly are not eligible.
