Deadline: 17-Sep-2026
The Project Grants Programme supports nursing research projects in Denmark that strengthen evidence-based nursing practices and improve patient care quality. The programme provides grants of up to DKK 600,000 for research projects focused on advancing nursing knowledge, with special attention to transitional care and nursing in primary healthcare.
The funding is available for registered nurses involved in nursing research and affiliated with Danish universities, university colleges, hospitals, or non-profit research institutions. Supported projects must have a strong research focus and contribute to the development of nursing practice.
About the Project Grants Programme
The Project Grants Programme provides financial support for nursing research projects that improve research-based nursing and enhance healthcare outcomes in Denmark.
The programme aims to strengthen the role of nursing research by supporting innovative studies that generate new knowledge, improve clinical practices, and contribute to better patient care.
The grant supports research across all areas of nursing, while giving special priority to projects related to:
- Transitional care.
- Nursing within the primary healthcare sector.
- Evidence-based nursing practices.
- Improvements in patient outcomes and healthcare quality.
Objectives of the Programme
The main goals of the Project Grants Programme are to:
- Promote high-quality nursing research in Denmark.
- Strengthen evidence-based nursing practice.
- Support research that addresses healthcare challenges.
- Improve patient care and nursing interventions.
- Develop knowledge that can be applied in clinical settings.
- Encourage collaboration within Danish nursing research environments.
Funding Amount Available
The programme provides:
- Maximum grant amount: Up to DKK 600,000 per project.
- Total available funding: DKK 3 million.
- Project duration: One-year, two-year, or three-year projects.
Funding allocation:
- Minimum application amount: DKK 50,000.
- Maximum application amount: DKK 600,000.
- Annual project funding range: DKK 50,000 to DKK 200,000 per budget year.
Applications requesting funding outside the approved range will not be considered.
Eligible Research Projects
Supported projects must:
- Focus on nursing research.
- Have a clear and significant research component.
- Aim to strengthen nursing knowledge and practice.
- Contribute to improvements in patient care.
- Address relevant challenges within healthcare.
Projects may be:
- Independent nursing research projects.
- Clearly defined research projects.
- Specific components of larger research programmes.
- Nursing-related PhD or postdoctoral research projects.
If the project is part of a larger research programme, applicants must provide details about:
- The overall research project.
- The complete project budget.
- The relationship between the proposed project and the larger study.
Who Is Eligible?
The main applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Be a registered nurse.
- Have a nursing education background.
- Be actively engaged in nursing research.
- Be recognised as a researcher within a Danish nursing research environment.
- Be affiliated with a Danish research institution.
Eligible host institutions include:
- Universities.
- University colleges.
- Hospitals.
- Other non-profit research institutions in Denmark.
The project must be anchored within the applicant’s affiliated institution.
Eligible Expenses
The grant can support costs directly connected to the research project, including:
- Salaries for researchers.
- Research technicians.
- Research nurses.
- Postdoctoral researchers.
- PhD students.
- Pre-graduate scholars.
- Project-related travel expenses.
- Publication costs.
- Minor research equipment.
- Operating expenses.
- Laboratory or bench fees.
- Administrative support costs.
Administrative expenses are limited to:
- Maximum 5% of the total project budget.
Expenses Not Covered
The grant cannot be used for:
- Salary of the main applicant.
Applicants must have their own salary secured for the complete project period before applying.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a research proposal that clearly explains:
- Research objective
- Define the nursing research question.
- Explain the importance of the study.
- Research methodology
- Describe methods, design, and research approach.
- Explain how the project will generate new knowledge.
- Project relevance
- Show how findings will improve nursing practice and patient care.
- Budget plan
- Provide detailed costs.
- Ensure requested funding falls between DKK 50,000 and DKK 600,000.
- Research environment
- Explain institutional affiliation and available research support.
Why This Grant Matters
Nursing research plays an important role in improving healthcare systems and patient outcomes.
The programme helps:
- Develop stronger evidence-based nursing approaches.
- Address healthcare needs in Denmark.
- Improve continuity of care during patient transitions.
- Strengthen nursing research capacity.
- Support future nursing researchers.
By funding high-quality research, the programme contributes to better healthcare delivery and stronger professional nursing practices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting projects without a clear nursing research focus.
- Requesting funding outside the allowed budget range.
- Including the main applicant’s salary in the budget.
- Providing unclear research objectives or methodology.
- Failing to explain how the project improves nursing practice.
- Not describing the larger project when applying for a sub-project.
Tips for a stronger application:
- Clearly connect research objectives with nursing practice.
- Provide a realistic and detailed budget.
- Demonstrate the project’s potential impact on patient care.
- Highlight collaboration with established nursing research environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Project Grants Programme for Nursing Research?
It is a funding programme that supports nursing research projects in Denmark aimed at improving evidence-based nursing and patient care.
How much funding can a project receive?
Projects can receive up to DKK 600,000 in total funding.
Who can apply for the grant?
Registered nurses involved in nursing research and affiliated with eligible Danish research institutions can apply.
Can the grant cover the main applicant’s salary?
No. The main applicant must have their salary guaranteed during the project period.
What types of nursing research projects are supported?
The programme supports all areas of nursing research, with special focus on transitional care and primary healthcare nursing.
Can PhD and postdoctoral projects apply?
Yes. Clearly defined nursing research components within PhD or postdoctoral projects may be eligible.
What is the project funding period?
Projects may receive funding for one, two, or three years.
Conclusion
The Project Grants Programme provides important support for advancing nursing research in Denmark. By funding innovative research projects, the programme strengthens evidence-based nursing, improves healthcare practices, and supports better outcomes for patients and communities. Registered nurses working in Danish research environments are encouraged to apply with strong, research-focused proposals that can create meaningful improvements in nursing care.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.





























