FAQ

This section provides answers to the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about  SPP 2520 project applications, including information on proposal procedures, funding, and DFG guidelines. We hope these FAQs help researchers, students, and partners to quickly find the information they need and better understand the application procedures of the program. The current list will be updated with FAQs while the program progresses.

1. Can you apply for funding for two cruises in one proposal if one cruise is for the deployment and one for the retrieval of instruments?
   1. Yes, researchers can apply for funding for deployment of instruments in one cruise and recovery of the instruments in a second cruise in one proposal.
2. What is the difference between a main user and a secondary user proposal?
   1. Main user proposals apply for ship time to run a complete expedition with one of the respective vessels. Secondary user proposals, in contrast, propose ship time within an already planned expedition.
3. How many staff positions can I apply for in one proposal?
   1. Researchers should just apply for one postdoc position for the initial data analysis of a cruise.
4. Is there a maximum budget limit per proposal?
   1. Technically, there is no limit for a given proposal. Keep in mind, however, that there is an annual budget maximum of 8,2 million Euro (€) for the entire program.
5. Can granted funding be pushed to another year if there is no ship time availability in the planned year?
   1. Yes, grants can be shifted to another year if the respective cruise has not been scheduled. To have greatest flexibility, a project time of three years should be applied for. After receiving the funding letter of DFG, proponents can wait for up to one year to start the granted project. After that, a form can be submitted to the DFG to ask for an official extension of the project time.