Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG – German Research Foundation) has opened two Priority Programmes that support interdisciplinary, collaborative research projects in Germany. Researchers are now invited to submit proposals for the second three-year funding period for both programmes. Further details of the calls are as follows:

DFG Priority Programme: Data-Driven Process Modelling for Forming Technologies (SPP 2422)

The aim of the Priority Programme is the development of novel methods for the use of implicit knowledge from forming system data combined with expert knowledge and Finite Element process simulations. This includes the expansion of existing modelling approaches by bringing together heterogenic, real-world forming system data from sensors with formalised knowledge and existing and novel methods in automation and the data sciences.

The first funding period focused on developing the technical-experimental conditions for single and multi-stage forming processes with cyclic stress patterns on active tool surfaces which allow for the digitisation of the forming process. The second funding period will focus on training models that were developed in the initial phase to explain relationships as well as improve forming tools for sheet metal and solid forming.

The programme is divided into the following research areas:

1. Digital, data-based representation of forming operations.
2. Automation of information-technical methods within the process.
3. Improved and interpretable modelling.

Projects must address at least two of these research areas and should therefore bring together partners from the field of forming technology with partners from automation, data sciences or AI methods.

DFG Priority Programme: A Contribution to the Realisation of the Energy Transition: Optimisation of Thermochemical Energy Conversion Processes for the Flexible Utilisation of Hydrogen-Based Renewable Fuels Using Additive Manufacturing (SPP 2419)

Acknowledging the need to use carbon-free chemical energy carriers such as hydrogen and ammonia in high-temperature thermochemical processes in order to enable the transformation of the energy system towards a carbon-neutral energy conversion, this Priority Programme aims to develop domain-specific knowledge and methods, to create an interdisciplinary research field between combustion science and manufacturing, and to demonstrate the approach both computationally and experimentally.

The Priority Programme takes a new interdisciplinary approach that links the competences of combustion science and additive manufacturing (AM). The programme sets out to broaden the understanding of combustion fundamentals as well as the integration of modern 3D manufacturing processes and simulation-based design, and use and adopt AM-suited materials to improve the flexibility, efficiency and emissions in thermochemical energy conversion processes.

Collaborative proposals in which complementary expertise is directly linked are encouraged. To support the interdisciplinary approach, it is desirable that a project consists of three parts and includes one experimental and one theory/simulation/modelling subproject from the combustion field, and additionally one AM subproject.

For both programmes, eligible to apply are researchers who work in Germany, or at a German research institution abroad, and who have completed their academic training (usually with a doctorate). The participation of researchers based outside Germany is permitted if their project is of added value to the programme at large.

Funding is available for a period of three years for each programme and can be requested for a number of modules.