The LEO Foundation Visiting Researchers Grant Programme provides up to DKK 2 million for international research stays of at least three months in the field of skin research. The program strengthens global collaboration between Danish and international institutions by supporting knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and advanced dermatological research. Eligible postdoctoral-level researchers can apply to conduct basic, translational, clinical, or technology-driven skin research.

LEO Foundation Visiting Researchers Grant Programme

Overview

The LEO Foundation Visiting Researchers Grant Programme supports temporary research stays abroad for Danish researchers or in Denmark for international researchers. The program aims to enhance knowledge-sharing, promote scientific collaboration, and strengthen long-term partnerships within global skin research.

Researchers may undertake a continuous stay or multiple research visits, provided the total duration meets the minimum requirement.

Why It Matters

This grant expands global research capacity by:

• Enhancing collaboration between leading dermatology researchers

• Accelerating the exchange of scientific methods, datasets, and technologies

• Supporting advances across major skin disease categories

• Building long-term networks that benefit both the home and host institutions

• Enabling high-impact research across basic, clinical, translational, and epidemiological fields

Funding Overview

Maximum Funding

• Up to DKK 2 million per researcher

What the Grant Covers

• Salary support

• Travel expenses

• Project running costs

• Publication costs

• Administrative expenses

• Relocation support for the researcher and family members

Timing

• Minimum research stay: 3 months

• Project may be continuous or split into multiple visits

• Research must begin within 18 months of receiving the grant

• Earliest start date for the current cycle: 1 May 2026

Research Areas

Applicants must select a project type and indicate primary and secondary research fields. Eligible areas include:

• Basic skin biology

• Translational and clinical dermatology

• Epidemiological studies

• Technology-driven dermatology research

• Autoimmune skin diseases

• Inflammatory and infectious skin disorders

• Genetic skin diseases

• Rare skin conditions

• Appendage-related research (hair, nails, glands)

• Immunology and genetics

• Microbiome-focused research

• Skin-related technology development

Who Is Eligible?

Applicant Eligibility

• Must be at or above postdoctoral level

• Must be employed at a university, hospital, or non-profit research institution during the grant period

Host Institution Requirements

• Danish researchers may visit international institutions

• International researchers may visit Danish institutions

Administrative Structure

The grant is personal but administered through:

• A Danish administering institution

• The receiving host institution

Applicants must coordinate with both institutions and ensure administrative alignment.

Application Requirements

Applicants must prepare a complete English-language submission including:

• CV and publication list

• Letter of support from the Danish administering institution

• Letter of acceptance from the host institution

• Institutional approval documents

• A detailed research description covering:

  • Purpose and expected contributions

  • Host institution strengths

  • Planned research tasks

  • Collaboration and networking opportunities

  • Anticipated benefits for all institutions involved

  • A clear timeline and visit plan

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm eligibility and institutional employment status.

2. Secure agreement from a host institution and the Danish administering institution.

3. Prepare letters of support, acceptance, and approval.

4. Write a comprehensive research plan with objectives, methodology, and timeline.

5. Create a detailed and justified budget within the DKK 2 million limit.

6. Submit the full application through the LEO Foundation portal before the deadline.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Scientific quality

• Relevance to skin research

• Feasibility of the proposed visit

• Applicant’s research track record

• Institutional commitment

• Clarity and coherence of the project plan

Key Deadlines

• Application deadline: 13 January 2026

• Funding notification: April 2026

• Earliest project start: 1 May 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing required documents (support letters, approvals, timeline)

• Poor coordination with the Danish administering institution

• Submitting a proposal that lacks clear scientific relevance

• Vague or unrealistic budget planning

• Proposing research visits shorter than three months

• Missing the 18-month visit start requirement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum grant amount?

The program offers up to DKK 2 million per visiting researcher.

2. Can the stay be divided into multiple visits?

Yes. The research visit can be split into several shorter stays if the total meets or exceeds the three-month minimum.

3. Who administers the grant?

All grants are administered by a Danish institution, regardless of whether the applicant is Danish or international.

4. What types of research are eligible?

All major skin research fields, including basic science, clinical dermatology, epidemiology, immunology, genetics, rare diseases, microbiome studies, and technology development.

5. What documents must be submitted?

Letters of support and acceptance, CVs, publication lists, institutional approvals, a detailed research plan, and a timeline.

6. Who can apply?

Postdoctoral researchers and senior scientists employed at a research institution during the grant period.

7. When must the project begin?

Within 18 months of receiving the grant offer, with the earliest start date being 1 May 2026.

Conclusion

The LEO Foundation Visiting Researchers Grant Programme enables dermatology researchers to build international collaborations, access advanced expertise, and contribute to global skin research. With substantial funding and broad eligibility across all key dermatological fields, the program is a significant opportunity for researchers seeking impactful, cross-border scientific exchange.