DFG - German Science Foundation: Research Training Group and International Research Training Groups

Research Training Groups (comprised of one or more universities) are established to promote young researchers; they are run by 5-10 professors with expertise in any field. There are two program profiles: 1) research: focuses on one main topic; and 2) qualification: enables doctoral researchers to produce independent research findings with international visibility, and simultaneously qualify for domestic and international academic and non-academic job market.

International research training groups are structured doctoral programs run by German universities in conjunction with universities abroad, promoting systematic research cooperation from the partner group.

There is a two-stage proposal process: draft proposal that leads to invitation for full proposal. Funding is for nine years in two 4.5 year segments.

http://www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/programmes/coordinated_programmes/research_training_groups/index.html

http://www.dfg.de/formulare/54_05/