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Promoting research is a cornerstone of the German Ornithological Society (DOG). We provide our members with room for ideas, support innovative projects, and create opportunities to make results visible.

In addition to early-career scientists, we also support dedicated amateurs and ornithologists without access to institutional funding. With research grants, awards, and travel scholarships, we strengthen the visibility of ornithological research and recognize outstanding achievements.

Anyone who is a member of the DOG benefits from a strong network built on a long-standing tradition, enabling research and helping shape the future.

News

At the 14th Meeting of European Bird Curators in Turin on 23 September 2026, DOG Vice President Sylke Frahnert and Till Töpfer, member of the Specialist Group Ornithological Collections and the prize committee, presented the Maria Koepcke Prize to Guy M. Kirwan.

Learning new methods and making international contacts: the DOG supports scientific research visits by its members with up to €5,000. The new funding programme is aimed at researchers in early to mid-career stages.

For his outstanding contributions to bird migration and movement research, his pioneering services to the further development of bird ringing, and his exceptional commitment to conservation, support for early-career researchers and international ornithology.

For his pioneering research on the ecology of bird migration, his outstanding contributions to understanding how bird populations adapt to environmental change, and his innovative work on polar ecology and the ecological consequences of global change.

For her outstanding scientific work on the Aquatic Warbler and her special services in linking ornithological research, applied bird conservation and peatland conservation.

For her pioneering long-term studies of Common Terns, her innovative contributions to understanding individual life histories and ecological change, and her special commitment to science communication, support for early-career researchers and conservation.

The DOG has updated its call for travel grants for the International Ornithological Congress (IOC) 2026. Five early-career researchers will each receive €2,000. The application deadline is 30 September 2026.

The Deutsche Ornithologische Gesellschaft awarded travel grants to several early-career scientists for the 5th EOU Fledglings Meeting 2026 in Gdańsk, where they presented their latest research results in talks and posters.

On 20 February 2026, our 2nd Vice President Sylke Frahnert presented the DOG Special Prize to twelve young researchers in biology at the Berlin state competition of Jugend forscht – together with a certificate and an ornithological book.

Study projects as part of her work as Co-Director of the Hiddensee Bird Observatory at the Zoological Institute of the University of Greifswald.

by Miriam Kott

The DOG Specialist Group "Ornithological Collections" awards this year's Maria Koepcke Prize to Dr. Renate van den Elzen from Vienna for her outstanding contributions to the development, visibility and study of bird collections.

Research funding

The German Ornithological Society supports its members with financial grants for ornithological research projects. Particular attention is given to young researchers as well as projects that lay the groundwork for species and nature conservation. Funded projects are presented in the publications and at the DOG’s annual meetings, thereby enriching scientific exchange.

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Prices and Awards

The German Ornithological Society offers several awards and funding opportunities. Through them, ornithological projects are supported from planning through implementation, outstanding scientific work is recognized, and long-standing commitment is honored. In addition to the research funds as direct support, the DOG’s awards provide important avenues for recognition, support, and visibility for ornithology. Even discontinued awards such as the former AULA Young Talent Award attest to the DOG’s long tradition of supporting young scientists and bird conservation.

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Travel grants

The German Ornithological Society (DOG) supports early-career researchers with various travel grants. These grants make it possible, among other things, to attend the annual meetings of the European Ornithologists’ Union (EOU) as well as the International Ornithological Congress (IOC).

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Support FAQ

Who can submit an application?

Only members of the DOG are eligible to apply. For students, one year of membership is sufficient; for all others, two years. There is no minimum membership duration for the study grant (special award “Ursula Honig”).

When are the application deadlines?

Funding applications can be submitted on 1 February, 1 June, and 1 October each year. For study funding, the special deadlines 1 June 2025, 1 October 2025, and 1 February 2026 apply.

What types of funding are available?

DOG offers research grants, evaluation grants, study grants (special award “Ursula Honig”), as well as special early-career support programs (e.g. Erwin Stresemann funding, travel grants, prizes).

Which costs can be funded?

Eligible expenses include material and travel costs, student assistants, and certain small equipment. Large equipment, construction and furnishing measures, overheads, or travel costs for conferences alone are not eligible for funding.

How high can the funding be?

  • Research grants: up to €7,500
  • Evaluation grants: up to €2,500
  • Study grants: up to €1,000

Who decides on funding?

The DOG Research Commission decides on the award based on expert review.

Can I submit multiple applications?

Only one application can be submitted per deadline. A new project can only be applied for once the previous one has been completed and the final report has been submitted.

Is there an age limit for youth development?

No. The decisive factor is not age, but the academic qualification level. In particular, projects by students, doctoral candidates, and early postdocs are supported.

Must the results be published?

Yes, the results of funded projects should be presented at a DOG annual conference and, if possible, published in DOG’s specialist journals (Journal of Ornithology, Vogelwarte).

Can I get advice in advance?

Yes. The Research Commission is available for questions and for consultation prior to submitting an application.

Tim Schmoll 

tim.schmoll@uni-bielefeld.de