Deadline: 12-Aug-2026
The RECRUIT Sabbatical Grant Programme is designed to promote internationalisation of academic research through temporary placement of university faculty in foreign research environments. It is part of the broader RECRUIT funding framework and supports mobility between Denmark and global institutions to enhance research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and long-term partnerships.
Purpose and Core Objectives
The programme aims to strengthen international scientific collaboration by enabling researchers to work in foreign academic environments. It focuses on improving research excellence in natural sciences, technical sciences, biotechnology, sustainability, and interdisciplinary fields. It also encourages long-term institutional cooperation and supports future recruitment pathways within the Danish research ecosystem.
Funding Details
The programme offers up to DKK 1 million per grant for a duration of up to one year. Funding may cover salary costs up to either the Danish university salary level or the applicant’s home institution salary, provided there is no double funding. It also supports relocation, travel, accommodation, and household transition expenses.
Additional Eligible Costs
The grant may include support for health insurance, relocation of family members, childcare and daycare expenses (up to DKK 50,000), research-related operational costs, conference participation for presenting sabbatical results, publication costs, bench fees at host institutions outside Denmark, and administrative support at the host university.
What the Programme Does Not Fund
The programme excludes commercial activities, indirect costs such as rent and utilities, and any form of double funding. Projects involving overlapping financial support must be disclosed. It also excludes certain research areas, including weight-loss trials involving anti-obesity medication and projects linked to commercial interests of Novo Group companies.
Eligible Applicants
Eligibility is limited to university faculty holding permanent (time-unlimited) academic positions. Applicants may be researchers based in Denmark planning to go abroad or international researchers coming to Denmark. All applicants must be nominated by Danish universities under allocated nomination quotas.
How the Sabbatical Works
Researchers apply through nomination by a Danish university. If successful, they undertake a temporary research stay abroad or host international researchers in Denmark. The sabbatical period is used for collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and development of joint scientific outputs.
Application Rules
Each applicant may submit only one application per call. All funding must be clearly justified, and applicants must disclose any overlapping or pending funding sources. Dual funding for the same activities is not permitted.
Key Evaluation Focus Areas
Applications are assessed based on scientific excellence, potential for international collaboration, contribution to research fields such as sustainability and biotechnology, and the quality of the proposed research exchange. Strength of institutional partnership and expected long-term impact are also key criteria.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common issues include unclear disclosure of external funding, attempting to include ineligible indirect costs, weak justification of mobility benefits, or lack of institutional nomination. Applications that fail to demonstrate clear scientific collaboration or research outcomes may be less competitive.
Success Factors
Strong applications clearly show how the sabbatical enhances international collaboration and research impact. Successful proposals demonstrate strong institutional support, clear research objectives, and meaningful integration between host and home institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The RECRUIT Sabbatical Grant Programme supports international research exchange through sabbaticals linked to Danish universities.
- It provides up to DKK 1 million for sabbaticals lasting up to one year.
- It supports both Danish researchers going abroad and international researchers coming to Denmark.
- Eligible fields include natural sciences, technical sciences, biotechnology, and sustainability.
- Funding can cover salary, relocation, childcare, and research-related expenses.
- Applicants must hold permanent university faculty positions.
- Each applicant can submit only one application per call and must be nominated by a Danish university.
Conclusion
The RECRUIT Sabbatical Grant Programme strengthens global academic collaboration by enabling structured research mobility between Denmark and international institutions. Through flexible funding and institutional support, it promotes scientific excellence, interdisciplinary research, and long-term international partnerships in key strategic research areas.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.
