The new WiHo call ‘Data Use and Interdisciplinary Data-Intensive Research: Collection and Use of Research Information in Science‘ by Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMFTR – Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space) aims to promote the widespread use of research information systems in Germany.

Funding is provided for real-world laboratories that address research information and research information systems (FIS) or Current Research Information Systems (CRIS). Accompanying studies and evaluations that are designed to be practical and ideally use existing preliminary work and support structures to examine the use and impact of research information are also eligible for funding. Projects in the early stages of development and conception are also supported.

It is expected that the research projects will develop and prepare practice-oriented recommendations for action for higher education institutions, higher education policy actors and other decision-makers in a manner appropriate to the target audience. Only projects that aim to implement the KDSF standard for research information are eligible for funding.

The call supports both collaborative and individual projects. Eligible for funding are state and state-recognised institutions of higher education, non-educational research and scientific institutions, other institutions belonging to the state university sector. Research support organisations such as libraries or computer centres, administrative units, providers of (data) infrastructures and software, state initiatives, networks, associations, working groups and actors from politics or science statistics may also be part of the project consortium. Additional participation of associated partners (ie without funding) in the consortium is desirable.

The funding period is three years. Institutions of higher education and non-commercial research institutes can expect to receive full funding of project-related costs.

Project proposals must be submitted by the deadline of 14 November 2025.