This framework announcement is part of the BMBF's funding priority 'Science and Higher Education Research (WiHo)', targeting interdisciplinary research on the structures and performance processes of scientific research and tertiary education. The aim is to generate scientifically sound evidence to support governance and management in the public science system.

The BMBF supports both project-based and institutional funding under this scheme, with a focus on project-based third-party funding due to the structural characteristics of the WiHo field. This announcement structurally expands BMBF’s funding practice in the field by enabling more flexibility and supporting innovation and unconventional questions, as well as interdisciplinary and internationally connected research.

The framework includes five modules:
- **Module A:** Addresses research desiderata and thematic/personnel expansions in WiHo. It supports exploratory and experimental projects, including self-reflective studies on the WiHo research field.
- **Module B:** Funds internationally oriented research projects to increase the global relevance and networking of national WiHo research, including joint projects with international partners.
- **Module C:** Supports empirical research on urgent knowledge needs in higher education and science policy, including short-term evaluations, systematic reviews, and impact analyses on current developments.
- **Module D:** Focuses on data usage and interdisciplinary, data-intensive research. It supports analytical and practical pilot projects that enhance data infrastructures and enable new knowledge generation through data reuse and linkage.
- **Module E:** Promotes knowledge transfer to practice and education. It includes transfer projects and the development of teaching materials for WiHo-related study programs or continuing education offerings.

The results must be used within Germany or the EEA and Switzerland. Eligible applicants include public and state-recognized universities, non-university research institutions, and related organizations. Both individual and collaborative projects are permitted.

Project proposals should highlight their relevance, methodology, transfer potential, and fit with the WiHo agenda. The maximum funding duration for short projects is generally up to 15 months. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the easy-Online portal and follow a two-stage process, beginning with a project outline and followed by a formal application upon positive evaluation.