The AIMS-DFG Collaboration Visits Programme supports collaborative research between researchers in African countries and Germany in the mathematical sciences. This initiative aims to foster internationalization and connect research communities by funding collaboration visits. Early career researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.

Aim and Scope

The primary aim is to connect the mathematical sciences research communities in Africa and Germany. This connection will facilitate the identification of joint research interests and the initiation of collaborative project ideas. The program supports the internationalization of research efforts in both regions.

The initiative focuses on enabling researchers to familiarize themselves with each other's work and explore potential collaborations. Funding is available for trips and guest visits to promote these interactions.

Funding may be granted for scientific workshops in exceptional cases. The program aims to foster lasting relationships and joint research endeavors between African and German researchers.

Funding Details

This call utilizes the DFG funding programme “Initiation of International Collaboration.” This program supports trips abroad or guest visits to establish collaborative scientific relations with international partners.

Two modules are available: Trips to AIMS centers in Africa (max. three months) for German researchers and Guest visits to German universities (max. three months) for early career African researchers. The funding is available for a maximum of 12 months after approval.

The focus is on facilitating collaboration visits, but funding for scientific workshops can be granted in exceptional cases. The funding remains available for a maximum of 12 months after the approval date.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants are researchers in the German research system. Fellows are researchers whose collaboration visits are funded under this program.

• Applicants from Germany must be working in the German research system and fulfill DFG eligibility requirements.

• Fellows from Africa must have obtained their doctorate, be on track to defend their thesis, or show proof of research activity.

• Fellows must have published at least one scientific article in a peer-reviewed journal listed on Math-SciNet or zbMath.

Applicants may apply either to undertake a collaboration visit to an AIMS centre themselves or for a fellow from Africa to visit the applicant’s institution. A letter of support from an AIMS center is required for fellows from Africa visiting a host institution in Germany.

Application Process

Proposals must be submitted to the DFG via the elan portal. The submission deadline is 30 September 2025. Proposals can only be submitted by researchers from Germany.

Researchers from African countries act as collaboration partners and can receive DFG funding through their German collaboration partners. First-time applicants must register in the elan portal by 23 September 2025.

Select the call “AIMS-DFG Collaboration Visits Programme 2026” during the proposal process. Refer to the “Guidelines on Proposals for Grants to Support the Initiation of International Collaboration” (DFG form 1.813) when preparing your proposal.

Equity, Diversity, and Additional Information

The DFG welcomes proposals from researchers of all backgrounds. Female researchers are particularly encouraged to submit proposals. DFG funding may only be awarded to research institutions that have implemented the guidelines laid down in the Code of Conduct for Safeguarding Good Research Practice.

By submitting the proposal, applicants and fellows agree that DFG shares all necessary information with AIMS after the call deadline. There will be an information session on 3 July 2025; interested parties can email aims-dfg@aims.edu.gh to participate.

General information for German applicants on the “Initiation of International Collaboration” programme is available. Contact persons at the DFG Head Office are listed for programme and administrative inquiries.