On 17 June 2026, the TIU Research Center participated in a virtual information session organized by the German Research Foundation (DFG) focusing on funding opportunities for scientific research collaborations involving researchers from Africa, the Middle East, and Germany. The online event brought together more than 600 academics from over 50 countries, providing valuable insights into international research funding mechanisms and collaboration opportunities.
The session commenced with an overview of DFG’s funding portfolio for international cooperation and practical guidance on establishing research partnerships with German institutions. Participants were introduced to several funding schemes designed to strengthen international scientific collaboration and support researchers at different career stages. Three expert presentations were delivered, followed by an interactive question-and-answer session that allowed participants to discuss specific funding and application issues.
A major focus of the event was the Individual Research Grant Program, which enables researchers to conduct independent research projects in collaboration with a host institution in Germany. The program offers funding for up to 36 months and provides flexible support covering personnel costs, equipment, consumables, travel expenses, instrumentation, and publication costs. The presenters emphasized the importance of identifying suitable German host institutions and collaboration partners prior to application.
To facilitate international partnerships, DFG introduced participants to two important research information platforms. The GERiT (German Research Institutions) portal provides access to information on approximately 33,000 research institutes across Germany, allowing researchers to search by discipline, location, and institutional characteristics. Additionally, the GEPRIS (German Project Information System) database enables researchers to identify potential collaborators, funded projects, and research institutions working in specific scientific fields.
The event also highlighted the Walter Benjamin Program, which supports early-career postdoctoral researchers seeking to conduct independent research projects either in Germany or abroad. The program promotes scientific autonomy and mobility by providing funding for up to two years, including fellowships abroad, temporary positions in Germany, and additional research-related allowances. Applicants are encouraged to move to a new institution and benefit from mentorship and integration into international academic networks.
The information session demonstrated DFG’s commitment to strengthening global research collaboration and creating opportunities for researchers from developing and emerging regions. The TIU Research Center encourages interested academic staff to explore these funding opportunities and consider establishing research collaborations with German institutions. Such initiatives can significantly enhance international research visibility, expand academic networks, and increase the university’s participation in externally funded research projects.
The Research Center will continue to disseminate information on international funding opportunities and support TIU researchers in developing competitive research proposals and international collaborations.
Useful Links and Application Resources
TIU academics interested in pursuing international research funding opportunities through DFG are encouraged to explore the following resources:
DFG Individual Research Grant Program (Form 50.01) – Information on funding for independent research projects in collaboration with a German host institution.
Walter Benjamin Program (Form 50.10) – Funding scheme supporting postdoctoral researchers in conducting independent research projects in Germany or abroad.
GERiT – German Research Institutions Database – Search more than 33,000 German research institutions by discipline, location, and institutional profile to identify potential host institutions and collaborators.
GEPRIS – German Project Information System – Explore DFG-funded projects, researchers, and institutions to identify collaboration opportunities and research trends.
OECD DAC List of ODA Recipients – Reference list of eligible partner countries for specific international collaboration funding programs.
Researchers interested in applying for these opportunities are encouraged to contact the TIU Research Center for guidance on identifying suitable partners, understanding eligibility requirements, and preparing competitive proposals.
