At each stage of the proposal process, the DFG Head Office examines whether any appearance of bias, favouritism or conflict of interest may exist.

Conflict of interest criteria that lead to the exclusion of the person in question from a review procedure include relationship or life partnership, current or planned close cooperation, and dependent employment relationships and supervisory relationships. In other instances, such as collaboration on committees or an imminent transfer to the same institution, the DFG decides on a case-by-case basis whether there is an appearance of bias/conflict of interest. Further information on any appearance of bias, favouritism or conflict of interest can be found in this form 10.210(externer Link).