DFG Establishes new Programme to Support the Development of Information Infrastructures

The new programme supports collaborative projects that bring together researchers and information infrastructure experts to develop solutions and innovations for research-relevant information infrastructures.

The new funding programme Coordinating Roles and Responsibilities in Information Infrastructures (VIGO – Verantwortung für Informationsinfrastrukturen gemeinsam organisieren), was established by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG – German Research Foundation) in spring 2022 with the aim of supporting researchers and information infrastructure operators in taking on independent responsibility for shaping the development and expansion of research-related information infrastructure. It is also intended to help safeguard the operation of the infrastructure on a permanent basis.

Funding is directed at all areas in which self-organised negotiation processes are indispensable for building a coordinated system of information infrastructures. For this reason, it covers the coordinated alignment and (further) development of both strategically oriented infrastructure projects and of technologies with a comparable functionality, provided that the systematic networking of such technologies leads to added value for research.

The programme has two funding priorities:

  • The establishment of communication forums for the collaborative further development of existing information infrastructures.
  • The networking and ongoing professionalisation of initiatives aimed at developing cooperative solutions to meet cross-project infrastructural needs.

Eligible to apply are members of non-profit research information infrastructure facilities such as libraries, archives, museums, computing centres and media centres. Researchers in Germany or those working at a German research institution abroad who have completed their academic training (generally by obtaining a doctorate) are also eligible.

Funding is provided for a period of up to two years to cover project-specific material and personnel costs. Funds can also be made available to organise workshops and colloquia in order to support the necessary collaboration between different actors.

Proposal are accepted at any time.

(This report was the subject of a RESEARCHconnect Newsflash.)