24.10.2024

DFG: Infrastructure Priority Programme “Research Vessels”

Deadline: 3 January 2025

Germany has established a world-leading fleet of research vessels that operates in all parts of the ocean and can host a large range of scientific equipment to tackle most challenges that are faced in ocean sciences. The research vessels serve as platforms supporting highly specialised missions and increasingly interdisciplinary research teams. They also play an important role in training and education of researchers in early career phases and students. The Infrastructure Priority Programme “Research Vessels” (SPP 2520) offers funding to address emerging questions and future challenges related to vessel-based research. Major aims are to support marine research including a strong participation of university groups. The programme provides a funding scheme for participation in vessel expeditions and initial analysis of samples and data.

In the current programme phase (2026–2031), research is centered around five overarching themes:

1. The oceans in a changing climate
2. Ocean interfaces and biogeochemical cycles
3. Ocean-lithosphere dynamics
4. Ocean-biosphere interactions
5. Ocean-based new technologies and innovation

In this first call, applicants can submit proposals for cruises with RV MARIA S. MERIAN, RV METEOR (IV) and RV SONNE only. The Priority Programme will be opened to the remaining vessels with the next call, which is scheduled for July 2025. Please note that grants starting in January each year can usually only support cruises that begin in May of the same year or later, due to the necessary lead time for commissioning container transports and making travel arrangements.

Ship users who already have a positively reviewed cruise proposal with requested funding in accordance with the former cruise funding scheme of BMBF (RV SONNE) and DFG (RVs METEOR (III) / MARIA S. MERIAN) need to submit a new SPP 2520 funding proposal in case the cruise is not scheduled before May 2026. The designated chief scientists will be personally informed about the necessary measures by the DFG, the Projektträger Jülich (Project Management Jülich, PtJ) and the SPP coordinator. Please consult also the information on funding categories in the section “Explanatory notes on SPP 2520 grant proposals” in the most recent version of the Cruise Proposal Preparation Instructions (see link below).  

Proposals must be written in English and submitted to the DFG by 3 January 2025.

Important:
The DFG Head Office cannot provide any administrative support between 20 December 2024 and the aforementioned deadline.

The DFG strongly welcomes proposals from researchers of all genders and sexual identities, from different ethnic, cultural, religious, ideological or social backgrounds, from different career stages, types of universities and research institutions, and with disabilities or chronic illness. With regard to the subject-specific focus of this call, the DFG encourages female researchers in particular to submit proposals.

Further Information:
https://www.dfg.de/de/aktuelles/neuigkeiten-themen/info-wissenschaft/2024/ifw-24-89