Research on the Danish Realm Grant Programme

The Research on the Danish Realm Grant Programme supports high-quality collaborative research projects led by multiple researchers working together on a clearly defined research question. The programme provides funding of up to DKK 5,000,000 for projects lasting up to five years, with a focus on strong research collaboration, international standards, and development of future researchers through PhD and postdoctoral positions.

About the Research on the Danish Realm Grant Programme

The Research on the Danish Realm Grant Programme supports coordinated research projects that bring together multiple researchers to address important research questions through strong and structured collaboration.

The programme is designed to strengthen research excellence by encouraging researchers to combine expertise, create synergy between research activities, and develop innovative approaches to studying topics related to the Danish Realm.

Projects must demonstrate a clear research objective, strong collaboration between researchers, and the ability to produce internationally recognised research outcomes.

Purpose of the Programme

The programme aims to:

• Support collaborative and interdisciplinary research.
• Promote high-quality research on topics related to the Danish Realm.
• Encourage long-term cooperation between researchers.
• Strengthen international research standards.
• Develop future researchers through PhD and postdoctoral integration.
• Build research capacity through structured mentorship and training.

Funding Details

The programme provides:

• Maximum funding: DKK 5,000,000
• Project duration: Up to 5 years
• Overhead costs: Excluded from the funding amount

The grant supports research activities, project coordination, researcher development, and related project expenses.

Research Project Requirements

Eligible projects must:

• Address a clearly defined research question.
• Include multiple researchers working collaboratively.
• Establish a mutually binding research partnership.
• Demonstrate synergy between research activities.
• Maintain high international scientific standards.
• Include relevant international collaboration where appropriate.

The project should show how cooperation between researchers creates stronger results than individual research efforts.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to experienced researchers who meet the academic requirements.

Applicants and Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) must:

• Hold a PhD degree or equivalent qualification before the application deadline.
• Lead a collaborative research project.
• Demonstrate relevant research experience.
• Establish a meaningful and balanced partnership.

Research Leadership Structure

Each project must include:

• One main applicant.
• One named Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI).
• Multiple researchers contributing to the project.

The applicant and Co-PI must jointly lead the project and define their responsibilities clearly.

Role of the Main Applicant

The main applicant is responsible for:

• Managing the grant if funding is awarded.
• Acting as the primary contact with the funding organisation.
• Coordinating project implementation.
• Ensuring proper administration of research activities.

Role of the Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)

The Co-PI must:

• Contribute significant scientific expertise.
• Participate actively in research planning.
• Share responsibility for project success.
• Maintain a strong and balanced collaboration with the applicant.

Requirement for PhD Students and Postdoctoral Researchers

Each funded project must include:

• At least one embedded PhD student or postdoctoral researcher.

These researchers should be integrated into the project and contribute meaningfully to research activities.

The programme supports research capacity building by providing opportunities for early-career researchers to gain advanced research experience.

Postdoctoral Candidate Eligibility

Embedded postdoctoral candidates must:

• Hold a PhD degree or equivalent qualification.
• Have obtained their PhD within the last four years before the application deadline.

Eligible leave periods may be deducted when calculating the four-year period.

PhD and Postdoctoral Recruitment Plans

Applications must explain:

• How PhD students or postdoctoral researchers will be recruited.
• Selection procedures.
• Expected roles in the project.
• How they will contribute to research activities.

If a named postdoctoral candidate is still completing their PhD at the time of application, the proposal must include:

• A declaration from the PhD supervisor.
• Confirmation that the thesis is expected to be submitted within six months after the application deadline.

Research Collaboration Requirements

The application must clearly describe:

• The relationship between the applicant and Co-PI.
• Scientific responsibilities.
• Technical contributions.
• Administrative roles.
• Contributions of all project participants.

A successful collaboration should demonstrate:

• Complementary expertise.
• Clear communication.
• Shared research goals.
• Balanced participation.

International Collaboration

Projects should include international collaboration when relevant.

International partnerships may help strengthen:

• Research quality.
• Knowledge exchange.
• Global visibility.
• Scientific networks.

If international collaboration is limited, applicants should explain why this is appropriate for the research project.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Develop a research project based on a clear scientific question.
2. Identify a qualified Co-PI for joint project leadership.
3. Define roles for all researchers and project staff.
4. Include plans for PhD and postdoctoral recruitment.
5. Prepare a detailed research proposal.
6. Submit all required application documents before the deadline.

Required Application Information

Applications should include:

• Research project description.
• Explanation of research objectives.
• Collaboration structure.
• Roles and responsibilities of researchers.
• Recruitment plans.
• Information about PhD and postdoctoral researchers.
• Budget details.
• Supporting documents required by the programme.

Why This Grant Matters

Collaborative research is important for solving complex scientific challenges and developing new knowledge.

The programme supports researchers by:

• Creating strong research partnerships.
• Supporting future scientific talent.
• Encouraging international research cooperation.
• Increasing research capacity.
• Producing high-quality academic outcomes.

Benefits for Early-Career Researchers

The inclusion of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers helps provide:

• Advanced research training.
• Mentorship opportunities.
• Experience in large-scale research projects.
• Professional development.
• Preparation for future scientific careers.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the research question.
• Demonstrate why collaboration is necessary.
• Define responsibilities of all team members.
• Highlight complementary expertise.
• Provide a realistic recruitment plan.
• Explain expected scientific impact.
• Include strong capacity-building elements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Unclear division of responsibilities.
• Weak explanation of collaboration benefits.
• Missing PhD or postdoctoral integration plans.
• Incomplete recruitment information.
• Lack of justification for international collaboration.
• Failing to demonstrate research capacity-building goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Research on the Danish Realm Grant Programme?

It is a funding programme that supports collaborative research projects involving multiple researchers working together on important research questions.

How much funding can researchers receive?

Projects can receive up to DKK 5,000,000 excluding overhead costs.

How long can funded projects run?

Projects can receive funding for up to five years.

Who can apply for this programme?

Researchers with a PhD degree or equivalent qualification can apply as the main applicant or Co-PI.

Is a PhD student or postdoctoral researcher required?

Yes. Each project must include at least one embedded PhD student or postdoctoral candidate.

What information must be included about researchers?

Applications must describe the roles of scientific, technical, and administrative participants involved in the project.

Can projects include international collaboration?

Yes. International collaboration is encouraged when relevant to the research objectives.

Conclusion

The Research on the Danish Realm Grant Programme provides major support for collaborative research projects that combine expertise, strengthen scientific capacity, and develop future researchers. By funding coordinated research teams, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers, the programme promotes high-quality research with long-term academic and societal impact.