The basis is the assumption that following experience-based rules significantly increases the probability of success of DFG research group proposals. A successful proposal is characterised by the fact that it is based on a staggered network of actors, an iterative roadmap, a map of places and paths, a coherent research programme and a design oriented towards comprehensibility. On this basis, 15 rules can be formulated. For example, one rule can be formulated under the social aspect: “Make sure in all selections that not only professional excellence but also cooperativeness is a characteristic of all participants!”; under the temporal aspect: “‘Fail better!’ Think in iterations and use setbacks as an opportunity to learn!”; under the spatial aspect: “Distance is to be bridged! A research group should communicate hybrid and use mature robust tools!”; under content aspect: “Coherence instead of addition! Do not proceed bottom up when defining the goals: Do not collect possible contributions to a topic. Rather, proceed top down: Combine all contributions that are absolutely necessary to achieve the research objective!”; from a formal point of view: “Format the proposals in such a way that as much unity as possible is visible and as much difference as necessary!”
On 23.03.2023 Gerhard Vowe gave a lecture in Hamburg on DFG research groups.
Bibliography:
Vowe, G. (2023, March). How can the probability of success of DFG Research Group proposals be increased? Rules for successful cooperation in the proposal phase. Presentation at the workshop of the DFG network “Potential and Challenge of Computational Communication Science”, Hamburg.