The DFG is the central research funding organisation in Germany with a predecessor already funded in 1920. It is a self-governed body that promotes research at universities and other publicly financed research institutions with an annual budget of around €1.7 billion, whereas awards are granted for both individual projects and research collaborations. In addition to research funding and awarding, the DFG has established various expert commissions to advise political and public authorities.

(Source: DFG-Website)

The BMBF as a part of the German Federal Government is responsible for the promotion and execution of education and research in Germany. It is the aim of the BMBF to broadly promote benefits for society to secure prosperity and social cohesion. With an annual budget of around €10 billion it funds R&D in enterprises and publicly financed institutions (both research and funding organisations). In its activities, the BMBF puts special weight on a long term perspective with timely identification of future research directions.

(Source: BMBF-Website)

The NSF, created by Congress in 1950, is an independent federal agency with an annual budget of $6.06 billion. The work of the NSF aims to broadly promote the progress of science to advance health, prosperity, welfare and defence of the US. The NSF issues limited-term grants with an average duration of 3 years to fund specific research proposals. Grantees of these awards are both individuals and groups of researchers as well as larger research centers.

(Source: NSF-Website)