20.10.2025

DFG: Infrastructure Priority Programme “Research Vessels”

Deadline: 5 December 2025

In September 2024, the Senate of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) decided to establish the Infrastructure Priority Programme “Research Vessels” (SPP 2520) for a first funding period of six years running from 2026 to 2031. In this second call, proposals can be submitted for an individual funding period of up to three years starting in January 2027 or later.

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 centred 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.

Starting with this second call, applicants can submit proposals for cruises with all German research vessels that are part of the joint GPF process (RV MARIA S. MERIAN, RV METEOR (IV), RV SONNE, RV POLARSTERN, RV ALKOR, RV HEINCKE, and RV ELISABETH MANN BORGESE). Please note that grants starting in January can usually support only 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.

Proposals must be written in English and submitted to the DFG by 5 December 2025.

The annual coordination workshop for this Priority Programme is aimed at researchers from German universities, universities of applied sciences and research institutions. It takes place on 11 and 12 May 2026 at the University of Hamburg. Further information will be provided on the SPP 2520 website as soon as the site has been established. Participating in the coordination workshop is strongly encouraged for applicants who wish to apply for a new project under the Priority Programme in the coming call for proposals published in July 2026. An oral 5-minute presentation is expected.

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/en/news/news-topics/announcements-proposals/2025/ifr-25-62