Research Funding in Germany

Scientific ideas often require more than just time and expertise: they need resources for personnel, data, infrastructure, and collaborations. Research funding in Germany helps you to finance research projects solidly – from basic research to application-oriented projects with transfer to industry and society. Especially when pursuing ambitious goals, suitable programs can make the difference between a “good outline” and an “implemented project.”

The funding landscape is broad and varies greatly depending on the objective: DFG or ERC funding is usually science-driven and excellence-oriented, while programs from BMBF, BMWK, or the EU (e.g., Horizon Europe) often issue calls that are thematic, mission- and impact-oriented – for example, on climate/energy, health, resilience, or digital sovereignty. At the same time, requirements around Open Science and research data are gaining importance: data management, FAIR principles, ethics, and data protection should be considered early on.

Many projects work particularly well today in networks: universities, research institutions, startups/SMEs, and practical partners from civil society or administration bring not only expertise but also credibility in transfer. For non-profit organizations and social projects, real-world laboratories, participation formats, or science-related education and transfer pathways are often a good entry point. For spin-offs, validation, prototyping, and a clear exploitation path are crucial.

The Reflecta Funding Compass supports you in quickly finding suitable funding programs, assessing requirements, and preparing your application in a structured way. Start with a matching, check eligibility and deadlines – and bring your research project into implementation with the right program.