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NSF-DFG Lead Agency Opportunity in Chemistry and Chemical Process and Transport Systems

Funds joint US–German chemistry and chemical engineering projects through one proposal and one review, not two.

OpenNational Science FoundationUnited States

NSF and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Germany's research foundation, signed a memorandum of understanding on research cooperation. This is one of the routes built on top of it.

The practical problem it solves is duplication. Normally a US–German project means two proposals, two review processes and two sets of rules. Under a Lead Agency Opportunity, the team submits a single collaborative

Collaborative US–German research in chemistry and in chemical, bioengineering, environmental and transport systems, submitted as one proposal under a single review, across the participating NSF and DFG divisions.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Rolling
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.Rolling
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.26 weeks
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.$5M

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Last verified: 25 Aug 2026Funder reference: 25-537Source: www.grants.gov