The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) is establishing nine new Collaborative Research Centres (CRC) to further support top-level research at universities. This was decided by the responsible Grants Committee in Bonn. The new CRCs will receive a total of approximately €120 million in funding for an initial period of three years and nine months as of April 2026. This includes a programme allowance of 22 percent for indirect project costs. One of the new Centres is a CRC/Transregio (TRR) which is made up of multiple applicant universities.

In addition to the establishment of the nine new groups, the Grants Committee also approved the extension of another 32 existing CRCs for an additional funding period, including 15 CRC/Transregios. Collaborative Research Centres allow researchers to tackle innovative, challenging and long-term research projects as a group, thereby supporting the further development of priority areas and structures at the applicant universities. This means that a total of 257 Centres will be in receipt of DFG funding as of April 2026.

In the case of two CRCs that are already receiving funding, the Grants Committee has also approved six transfer projects each.

The new Collaborative Research Centres in detail (in alphabetical order by their host university, including the names of spokespersons and the other applicant universities):

Will building materials and furniture be produced from fungi in the future? The CRC MY-CO BUILD: Biomanufacturing, characterisation and sustainability assessment of fungal-based building materials aims to realise this vision by developing a new class of fungal-based materials that are both biologically produced and biodegradable. In order to research and develop these materials, the project will draw on fungal biotechnology. The consortium plans to examine the biological, mechanical, physical, chemical, thermal, acoustic and architectural property profiles of fungal-based materials in interaction with the genetic potential of the fungal organism used. (TU Berlin, Spokesperson: Professor Dr.-Ing. Vera Meyer)

Autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders currently have no lasting cure. Their treatment is costly, demanding and usually involves significant restrictions for patients. The CRC CASCAID – Cellular and Systems Control of Autoimmune Disease seeks to understand the mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation and therapy resistance. The consortium focuses in particular on immune cells and their interactions within the affected tissues. Through the targeted integration of analyses on patient tissue, the project ultimately aims to take steps towards using novel forms of therapy to replace current treatment approaches, which entail lifelong immunosuppression and involve further medical complications. (University Erlangen-Nuremberg), Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Georg Schett)

How can the education system be made fairer for children and young people? And how can inclusion and recognition be better implemented in educational processes? At present, there is no overarching academic approach that is able to satisfactorily answer these questions or provide a comprehensive analysis of educational inequalities in schools and higher education. The CRC Inclusion : Recognition : Justice. Participation and Involvement in Childhood and Adolescence aims to develop a framework that examines educational inequality in Germany and compares it with data from other countries. The project seeks to combine theoretical and empirical research in order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of educational injustice. (University of Frankfurt/Main, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Merle Hummrich)

What role do silence and noise play in language use? In everyday communication, different forms of silence occur (omitted parts of sentences, unspoken thoughts), as do noisy signals (unfamiliar pronunciations in dialects, conversations in loud restaurants). Yet people are effortlessly able to ignore violations of linguistic rules, filter out irrelevant articulatory features and reinterpret irregular patterns as part of language games or linguistic change. Up to now, linguistics has not attempted to examine silence and noise in their various forms within an integrated framework. The CRC Silence, Noise and Signal in Language seeks to change this by working to expand existing linguistic theories. (University of Konstanz, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Miriam Butt)

The systematic focus of the CRC Chemical and Biological Principles of Cellular Trigger Responses will be how cells respond to changes in their environment and process the relevant stimuli – so-called triggers. With the methodological spectrum available to research date, it has not been possible to study triggers within the complex environment of a cell, so a detailed understanding is lacking of how cells perceive triggers and which processes they use to respond. The consortium aims to address this gap with a comprehensive approach that includes both bacterial and eukaryotic cells as well as chemical and physical triggers that have so far received little attention. (University of Konstanz, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Erika Isono)

Desmosomes are molecular structures that create connections between cells. There is growing evidence that defects in these structures contribute to inflammatory diseases in human epithelial organs. Pemphigus vulgaris is caused by autoantibodies directed against desmosomes, for example, and manifests itself in severe blistering of the skin. The CRC/Transregio Desmosomal dysfunction in epithelial barriers (DEFINE) aims to investigate key mechanisms of desmosomal dysfunction based on different diseases that affect the skin and gastrointestinal tract. By comparing various disease patterns, the project also seeks to generate overarching insights into the fundamental functions of desmosomes. (University of Marburg, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Michael Hertl; also applying: LMU Munich, University of Würzburg)

The CRC Compartmentalized cellular networks in neurovascular diseases examines neurovascular diseases (NVDs), which are among the most common causes of death and disability worldwide. Despite this, there are only a limited number of therapeutic options currently available, partly because the underlying mechanisms of NVDs are still insufficiently understood. The consortium therefore plans to investigate the cellular and molecular processes that determine the course and complications of these diseases. This work is based on the hypothesis that these processes do not occur in isolation but are governed by highly coordinated interactions within compartmentalised networks of vascular, immune and glial cells. (LMU Munich, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Martin Dichgans)

Around 50 million couples worldwide are affected by infertility, with roughly half of all cases attributable to male infertility. Nevertheless, research to date has focused primarily on female infertility, meaning that the pathomechanisms underlying infertility in men are still not sufficiently understood. The CRC Principles of Reproduction – Unravelling the Molecular Mechanisms of Male Infertility aims to address this by conducting in-depth research into male infertility. The findings will seek to support the development of improved treatment options, including for women, who currently bear most of the risks and burdens associated with fertility treatments. (University of Münster, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Frank Tüttelmann)

Boron as property-determining element is the central focus of the CRC of the same name. The aim is to establish molecular boron chemistry as a versatile platform for a wide range of applications – in fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and functional materials where the boron atom determines the properties either on its own or in combination with other building blocks. The consortium intends to explore novel boron-centred synthesis and catalysis strategies and classes of compounds, while also developing boron-based functional materials, for example for battery technology, sensing and optoelectronic components. Further boron compounds are to be developed for use as fluorescence markers or anticancer therapeutics. (University of Würzburg, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Maik Finze)

The CRCs extended for a further funding period(in alphabetical order by their host university, including the names of the spokespersons and additional applicant universities, with reference to the project descriptions in the DFG online database GEPRIS):

TRR Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Complications in Chronic Kidney Disease (RWTH Aachen, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Joachim Jankowski; also applying: Saarland University) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/322900939?language=en

TRR Ultrafast Spin Dynamics (FU; Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Martin Weinelt; also applying: University of Halle)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/328545488

CRC Re-Figuration of Spaces (TU Berlin, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Martina Löw) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/290045248

TRR Strong-Interaction Matter under Extreme Conditions (University of Bielefeld, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Sören Schlichting; also applying: TU Darmstadt, University of Frankfurt/Main) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/315477589

CRC Extinction Learning (University of Bochum, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Onur Güntürkün) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/316803389

CRC Transient atmospheric plasmas – from plasmas to liquids to solids (University of Bochum, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Achim von Keudell)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/327886311

TRR Future Rural Africa: Future-making and social-ecological transformation (University of Bonn, Spokesperson from 1 January 2026: Professor Dr. Britta Klagge; also applying: University of Cologne) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/328966760

TRR Economic Perspectives on Societal Challenges: Equality of Opportunity, Market Regulation, and Financial Stability (University of Bonn, Spokesperson from 1 January 2026: Professor Dr. Sven Rady; also applying University of Mannheim)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/326731373

CRC Global Dynamics of Social Policy (University of Bremen, Spokesperson from 1 January 2026: Professor Dr. Markus Tepe)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/374666841

TRR The Adrenal: Central Relay in Health and Disease (TU Dresden, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Stefan R. Bornstein; also applying: LMU Munich, University of Würzburg) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/314061271?language=en

TRR Geometry and Arithmetic of Uniformized Structures (GAUS) (University of Frankfurt/Main, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Jakob Stix; also applying: TU Darmstadt, University of Heidelberg) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/444845124

CRC Oncogene-driven immune escape (OncoEscape) (University of Freiburg, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Robert Zeiser)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/441891347

CRC Quantitative Synaptology (University of Göttingen, Spokesperson: Professor Silvio-Olivier Rizzoli Ph.D.)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/317475864

TRR Safety Integrated and Infection Reactive Implants (MHH Hannover, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Meike Stiesch; also applying: University of Hanover)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/426335750

CRC Mechanisms and Functions of Wnt Signaling (University of Heidelberg, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Michael Boutros)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/331351713

CRC Extreme light for sensing and driving molecular chirality (ELCH) (University of Kassel, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Arno Ehresmann)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/328961117

CRC Predictability in Evolution (University of Cologne, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Michael Lässig) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/325931972

CRC Targeting convergent mechanisms of inefficient immunity in tumors and chronic infections (University of Mainz, Spokesperson from 1 January 2026: Professor Dr. Tobias Bopp) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/318346496

CRC Studies in Human Differentiation (University of Mainz, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Stefan Hirschauer)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/442261292

TRR RMaP: RNA Modification and Processing (University of Mainz, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Mark Helm; also applying: University of Heidelberg)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/439669440

TRR The tropopause region in a changing atmosphere (University of Mainz, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Peter Hoor; also applying: University of Frankfurt/Main)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/428312742

TRR LETSIMMUN – Lymphocyte Engineering for Therapeutic Synthetic Immunity (TU Munich, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Dirk Busch; also applying: LMU Munich, University of Würzburg) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/452881907

CRC Dynamic cellular interfaces: formation and function (University of Münster, spokesperson: Professor Dr. Stefan Luschnig)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/386797833

TRR Constructing explainability (University of Paderborn, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Katharina Rohlfing; also applying: University of Bielefeld)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/438445824

CFC Data Assimilation – The Seamless Integration of Data and Models (University of Potsdam, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Melina Freitag)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/318763901

CRC Limits of Variability in Language: Cognitive, Computational, and Grammatical Aspects (University of Potsdam, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Doreen Georgi)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/317633480

CRC Emergent Relativistic Effects in Condensed Matter: From Fundamental Aspects to Electronic Functionality (University of Regensburg, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Jaroslav Fabian) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/314695032

TRR Modulation of graft-versus-host and graft-versus leukemia immune responses after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (University of Regensburg, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Wolfgang Herr; also applying: University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University of Würzburg)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/324392634

TRR Assembly Controlled Chemical Photocatalysise (University of Regensburg, Spokesperson from 1 January 2026: Professor Dr. Burkhard König; also applying: TU Munich) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/444632635

CRC ELectrically Active ImplaNts – ELAINE (University of Rostock, Spokesperson from 1 January 2026: Professor Dr.-Ing. Sascha Spors)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/299150580

CRC Interface-Driven Multi-Field Processes in Porous Media – Flow, Transport and Deformation (University of Stuttgart, Spokesperson: Professor Dr.-Ing. Holger Steeb) https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/327154368

TRR From the Fundamentals of Biofabrication towards Functional Tissue Models (University of Würzburg, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Jürgen Groll; also applying: University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University of Bayreuth)
https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/326998133

Transfer projects for Collaborative Research Centres already in receipt of funding:

For two CRCs, the Grants Committee has additionally approved six transfer projects each. The projects will receive a total of some €5 million in funding. The application partners involved in all approved projects are from a wide range of sectors (including automotive engineering, mechanical engineering and testing technology) and will be supporting the researchers with their own resources. The insights gained through the transfer projects are to be fed back into the respective consortia, thereby further enriching basic research.

The transfer projects conducted as part of the CRC Precision manufacturing by controlling melt dynamics and solidification in production processes (RWTH Aachen, Spokesperson: Professor Dr Uwe Reisgen), funded since 2014, address topics such as avoiding stress-induced cracking in laser micro-welding, AI-optimised path planning for laser welding processes and the integration of neural networks into casting simulations.

The goals of the transfer projects conducted as part of the CRC/Transregio Method development for mechanical joinability in versatile process chains (University of Paderborn, Spokesperson: Professor Dr. Gerson Meschut; also applying: TU Dresden, University of Erlangen–Nuremberg), funded since 2019, include taking friction modelling for mechanical joining and forming processes under industrial conditions and transferring this to practical application, together with methods that enhance the strength of joints in fibre-reinforced plastics.