News Archive 2026
Third SPP 2520 Call for Proposals NOW OPEN
The third call for proposals under the DFG Infrastructure Priority Programme SPP 2520 "Research Vessels" is now open.
The programme supports participation in expeditions aboard German research vessels and the initial analysis of samples and data. Funding is available for projects of up to three years, starting from January 2028, within the programme's five research themes covering climate, ocean processes, geodynamics, biosphere interactions, and marine technologies.
Proposal deadline: 2 December 2026
Applications must be submitted in English via the DFG elan portal. Please note that applicants must submit both an SPP 2520 grant proposal and the corresponding Core Cruise Proposal through the GPF procedure. First-time DFG applicants must register in the elan portal by 30 November 2026.
For detailed eligibility information, proposal guidelines, and submission instructions, please see the full Call for Proposals.
SPP 2520 Launch Call 3 beginning of July
The third call of the SPP 2520 Infrastructure Priority Program “Research Vessels” will open in July 2026. Proposals can be submitted for all German research vessels.
All proposals will have to be written in English and submitted to the German Research Foundation (DFG) by 31 December 2026. Applicants will be required to be registered in the elan portal prior to submission. Those who have not yet registered will need to complete their registration by 18 December 2026; registration requests submitted after this deadline will not be considered. Confirmation of registrations are typically provided by the next working day.
SPP 2520 Workshop 2 at the University of Hamburg
The second SPP 2520 coordination workshop took place at the Flottbek Campus of the University of Hamburg from May 11th to 12th 2026.
Over two days, 80 participants came together for scientific exchange and to present their proposed research cruise projects. With 42 presentations, the workshop provided an intensive and inspiring environment for discussion, collaboration, and networking.
A special highlight of the workshop were the presentations by Marianne Rehage and Daniel Damaske on behalf of the PANGAEA team, as well as the presentation by Arne Körtzinger about the FUTURO project.
We would like to sincerely thank all participants for the engaging atmosphere and lively discussions. Special thanks go to the program committee for organizing the scientific program and to Julia-Sharine Körner and Lennart-Kilian Wenke who supported the workshop logistics and helped ensure the smooth running of the event.
