GIF 2026 Call for AI in Science and Society

The GIF 2026 Call for AI in Science and Society is a research grant call from the German Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research and Development. It funds projects on how AI is built, how it is used in science, and what it does to society.

There are two tracks. The Collaborative Track is for joint teams with at least one principal investigator in Germany and one in Israel. Projects run for up to 3 years with a total budget of up to €300,000 for all investigators. The Solo Track is for early career researchers, up to 8 years after their doctorate, who apply without a partner from the other country. These projects run for one year with a budget of up to €25,000.

Applicants must hold a PhD or an equivalent doctoral degree and work at a GIF eligible non profit research institution in Germany or Israel. They need a permanent position, a tenure track post, or a contract that covers the whole grant period. Post doctoral candidates cannot apply.

The call has two topics. The STEM topic covers work that advances AI itself, such as machine learning, language processing, computer vision, robotics and planning, or that uses AI to reach new results in fields like physics, chemistry, biology or medicine. The social sciences and humanities topic looks at how AI changes the way knowledge and evidence are produced and accepted. GIF encourages teams that combine both sides.

Applications go through the GIF online portal in two stages. Pre proposals are due on October 15, 2026, when the portal closes. Invited teams then send a full proposal by March 30, 2027. New grants are announced in September 2027 and start on November 1, 2027.

Quick answers

How much does it pay?

Up to €300,000 (Collaborative Track); up to €25,000 (Solo Track). It is a grant and takes no equity.

When is the deadline?

The deadline is 15 October 2026.

Who can apply?

Researchers with a PhD at a GIF eligible non profit research institution in Germany or Israel who hold a permanent position, a tenure track post or a contract covering the full grant. Post doctoral candidates are not eligible. The Solo Track is for researchers up to 8 years after their doctorate. It is limited to applicants in Europe, Asia Pacific, DE, IL.

How do I apply?

Through the official page at gif.org.il. The link is at the top of this page.

Can a postdoc apply?

No. Post doctoral candidates are not eligible. Applicants need a permanent position, a tenure track post or a contract that covers the whole grant.

Does the Solo Track need a partner in the other country?

No. Solo Track applicants apply alone, but they must visit the other country for at least 7 days during the grant to present their research.