Setting up a research training group (RTG)
Research training groups (RTGs) are institutions at universities to support doctoral and early career researchers. They are funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) for a maximum of 9 years. RTGs provide doctoral qualifications in research programs with a clear thematic focus and a well-structured path to qualifications. They are generally interdisciplinary. The goal is to prepare doctoral researchers intensively for the academic market and to foster academic independence early on.
Tips on applying for an RTG (PDF) provide some help throughout the application procedure.
DFG application procedure
The DFG application procedure is divided into 2 stages. Following a positive review of the application submitted by the expert committee, you will be asked to create an application to set up a group; the proposal will be reviewed by the DFG review committee on site.
International research training groups
Applying for an international research training group requires especially intensive preparation and close consultation with everyone involved. When preparing the application for an international research training group, observe the DFG information about the differences between a DFG-funded international research training group and doctoral research programs offered elsewhere.
Tips on applying
Tips on applying—RTG application proposals and applications for setting up an RTG: https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/coordinated-programmes/research-training-groups/forms-guidelines
Tips on applying for an international RTG: https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/coordinated-programmes/research-training-groups/international-rtg
Since 6 January 2017, applications for RTG proposals go through the elan portal, which is also used for applications for DFG funding programs for individuals.
Support when applying
The Support of Doctoral and Early Career Researchers Section lends support at all stages of the application procedure. We advise you on developing the application and throughout the internal consultation on your proposal; we ensure the participation and integration of university committees; we correspond with the DFG; and we support you as you prepare for the DFG review process on site.
We are happy to discuss the concrete steps in the RTG application procedure in a personal consultation. Contact us early on.
Completed RTGs
RTG 2583: Modeling, Simulation and Optimization of Fluid Dynamic Applications
Spokesperson Armin Iske
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences
Department of Mathematics
Funding from 2020 to 2024
RTG 2536: Hybrid structures on the nanoscale: Chemical concepts to prepare heterogeneous nanostructures with anisotropic material properties (NANOHYBRID)
Spokesperson Alf Mews
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences
Department of Chemistry
Funding from 2020 to 2024
RTG 2008: Interconfessionality in the Early Modern Period
Spokesperson Johann Anselm Steiger
Faculty of Humanities
Department of Protestant Theology
Funding from 2015 to 2024
RTG 1670: Mathematics Inspired by String Theory and QFT
Spokesperson Christoph Schweigert
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences Department of Mathematics
Funding from 2011 to 2020
RTG 1597: Economics of Internationalization of Law
Spokesperson Stefan Voigt
Faculty of Law
Funding from 2010 to 2019
RTG 1459: Sorting and Interactions Between Proteins of Subcellular Compartments
Spokesperson Thomas Braulke
Faculty of Medicine
Funding from 2008 to 2017
RTG 1351: Extrasolar Planets and their Host Stars
Spokesperson Jürgen H.M.M. Schmitt
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Funding from 2007 to 2015
RTG 1355: Physics with New Advanced Coherent Radiation Sources
Spokesperson Klaus Sengstock
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Funding from 2006 to 2015
RTG 1247: Cross-Modal Interaction in Natural and Artificial Cognitive Systems (CINACS)
Spokesperson Jianwei Zhang
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences Department of Informatics
Funding from 2006 to 2015
RTG 1286: Functional Metal-Semiconductor Hybrid Systems
Spokesperson Ulrich Merkt
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Funding from 2006 to 2015
RTG 611: Design and Characterization of Functional Materials
Spokesperson Michael Fröba
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences Department of Chemistry
Funding from 2001 to 2009
RTG 602: Future Developments in Particle Physics
Spokesperson Jochen Bartels
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Funding from 2000 to 2009
RTG 821: Research on Educational Experience and Learner Development
Spokesperson Meinert A. Meyer
Faculty of Education
Funding from 2002 to 2008
RTG 497: Law and Economics: Possible Extensions of Civil Law and New Forms of Cooperation in Private Organisations
Spokesperson Hans-Bernd Schäfer
Faculty of Law
Funding from 1998 to 2007
RTG 336: Molecular Endocrinology—Molecular Metabolism
Spokesperson Hans-Joachim Seitz
Faculty of Medicine
Funding from 1997 to 2006
RTG 463: Spectroscopy of Localized Atomic Systems. Fields and Localized Atoms? Atoms and Localized Fields
Spokesperson Günter Huber
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Funding from 1999 to 2005
RTG 235: Physics of Nanostructured Solids
Spokesperson Wolfgang Hansen
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences Department of Physics
Funding from 1996 to 2005
RTG 431: Conservation Principles in the Modeling and Simulation of Marine, Atmospheric and Technical Systems
Spokesperson Jens Struckmeier
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences Department of Mathematics
Funding from 1999 to 2004
RTG 464: Glycoconjugates: Synthesis, Analysis, Structure and Function
Spokesperson Bernd Meyer
Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences Department of Chemistry
Funding from 1999 to 2004
RTG 255: Signal Transduction in the Nervous System and its Pathology
Spokeswoman Melitta Schachner
Faculty of Medicine
Funding from 1996 to 2004