RFPs: German–Croatian Bilateral Research Projects

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ) has launched a Call for Proposals to cofund the Croatian component of bilateral research projects with Germany under the Weave procedure. Funding ranges from EUR 60,000 to EUR 200,000 for projects lasting up to three years. Applications must be submitted by 31 December 2026 at 17:00 CET, and only proposals ranked in the top 20% of the DFG evaluation will be recommended for funding.

About the Programme

The Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ) is supporting international scientific cooperation through cofunding of Croatian research teams participating in German–Croatian bilateral projects.

Projects are evaluated by the German Research Foundation (DFG) under the Weave Lead Agency procedure.

The initiative strengthens Croatia’s integration into European and global research networks while enhancing national research excellence.

Objectives of the Call

General Objective

• Enhance international research collaboration

• Integrate Croatian researchers into joint German–Croatian projects

Specific Objectives

• Generate new knowledge that strengthens Croatia’s economy and societal well-being

• Foster networking among recognised research groups

• Support internationally competitive research teams

• Mentor early-career researchers

• Develop Croatian scientific and research potential

Scope of Research

• Open to all scientific fields

• Supports basic research

• Focused on internationally or nationally relevant topics

Project Structure

A bilateral research project must include:

• One Croatian research group

• One partner research group from Germany

The joint proposal is:

• Prepared and submitted by the German Principal Investigator to DFG

• Evaluated by DFG as the Lead Agency

The Croatian Applicant Organisation must submit the Croatian part of the proposal to HRZZ within seven days of submission to DFG.

Funding Details

Budget Range

• Minimum: EUR 60,000

• Maximum: EUR 200,000

• Budget must be evenly distributed across all project years

Project Duration

• Up to 3 years

• Indicative start: Late 2026 or early 2027

A Grant Agreement is concluded within three months of the funding decision.

Eligible Costs

Funding may cover:

• Research costs

• Equipment and maintenance (within limits)

• Dissemination and collaboration activities

• Open access publication costs

• Indirect costs (up to allowed percentage)

Costs must be justified and aligned with HRZZ financial rules.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicant Organisation

• Must be an eligible Croatian research institution

• Submits the Croatian project component via the EPP system

Principal Investigator (Croatian Side)

The Principal Investigator (PI) is responsible for scientific leadership and project management.

The PI must:

• Hold a PhD

• Be an active researcher

• Lead an established research group

• Have internationally recognised achievements

• Demonstrate relevant publications or patents

• Show proven mentoring experience

• Hold permanent employment at an eligible organisation

Exception: Certain provisions apply to full members of the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Participation Limits

• A PI may participate in only one proposal per call

• Must meet HRZZ limitations regarding active roles in other HRZZ-funded projects at the time of application

Evaluation and Selection Process

Step 1: Scientific Evaluation

• Conducted by DFG

• Only proposals ranked in the top 20% of the respective DFG competition are recommended for funding

Step 2: Administrative Eligibility Check

• Conducted by HRZZ

• Ensures Croatian applicant compliance

Late or incomplete applications are not accepted after the eligibility check.

Why This Call Matters

This call:

• Strengthens Croatian–German scientific cooperation

• Enhances international competitiveness of Croatian research groups

• Supports early-career researcher mentoring

• Promotes knowledge generation with economic and societal impact

• Integrates Croatian researchers into leading European research frameworks

It is a strategic instrument for long-term scientific excellence and capacity building in Croatia.

How to Apply

Step 1: Establish a German Partnership

• Identify a German research partner

• Jointly develop a high-quality research proposal

Step 2: Submit to DFG

• German PI submits the joint proposal to DFG under the Weave procedure

Step 3: Submit Croatian Component to HRZZ

• Croatian Applicant Organisation submits the Croatian part via the EPP system

• Must be submitted within seven days of DFG submission

Step 4: Administrative Review

• HRZZ conducts eligibility check

Step 5: Funding Decision

• Only top 20% ranked proposals are recommended

• Grant Agreement signed within three months

Key Dates

• Application deadline (Croatian submission): 31 December 2026

• Time: 17:00 CET

• Submission system: EPP system

• Late or incomplete submissions: Not accepted

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing the seven-day submission window to HRZZ

• Uneven budget distribution across project years

• Submitting incomplete documentation

• Ignoring PI participation limits

• Weak evidence of international research excellence

• Insufficient mentoring or team capacity description

Strong proposals demonstrate scientific excellence, clear collaboration value, and alignment with both HRZZ and DFG requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the funding range?

Between EUR 60,000 and EUR 200,000 for the Croatian part of the project.

2. How long can the project last?

Up to three years.

3. Who evaluates the scientific proposal?

The German Research Foundation (DFG) evaluates proposals.

4. What ranking is required for funding?

Only proposals in the top 20% of the DFG competition are recommended for funding.

5. Is the call limited to specific disciplines?

No. It is open to all scientific fields and supports basic research.

6. Can a Principal Investigator submit multiple proposals?

No. A PI may participate in only one proposal per call.

7. When is the deadline?

31 December 2026 at 17:00 CET via the EPP system.

Conclusion

The Croatian Science Foundation’s bilateral cofunding call provides a strategic opportunity for Croatian researchers to collaborate with German partners on internationally competitive basic research projects.

With funding up to EUR 200,000, rigorous evaluation by DFG, and strong emphasis on excellence and mentoring, this call supports Croatia’s integration into high-level European research networks and strengthens national scientific capacity.

For more information, visit Croatian Science Foundation.