Deadline: 03-Feb-2026
The Lundbeck Foundation Science Engagement and Communication Grant supports projects in Denmark that disseminate knowledge about neuroscience and brain disorders. The program funds initiatives that inspire science careers, reduce health stigma, and engage the public through creative media or active participation. Grants are awarded to projects demonstrating scalability, feasibility, and a clear impact on society’s understanding of the brain.
The Science Engagement and Communication (SEC) program is a strategic funding initiative by the Lundbeck Foundation. It aims to foster a deeper connection between the scientific community and the public, specifically focusing on the brain, the nervous system, and related disorders such as psychiatry.
Why It Matters: Advancing Neuroscience Awareness
Engagement in neuroscience is critical for societal progress and medical innovation.
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Reducing Stigma: Open communication helps dismantle misconceptions and social stigmas surrounding brain disorders and mental health.
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Talent Pipeline: By inspiring young people to pursue biomedical and health sciences, the program secures the future of neuroscience research.
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Public Literacy: Helping the public understand the conditions of health research fosters trust in scientific discoveries.
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Active Participation: Moving beyond passive “traditional education,” the program emphasizes active engagement to create lasting learning experiences.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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Science Engagement: Collaborative activities where the public or specific target groups interact directly with scientific concepts, rather than just receiving information.
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Neuroscience Focus: Projects must relate specifically to the brain, nervous system, or brain-related disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression).
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Scalability: The potential for a project to be expanded or replicated in other regions or formats to increase its total impact.
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Anchoring: The plan for how a project will be sustained or integrated into existing institutions after the grant period ends.
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Who is Eligible?
The foundation targets experienced communicators and researchers capable of delivering high-impact projects.
Eligible Applicants:
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Researchers and Professionals: Individuals or teams with documented experience in science communication or neuroscience.
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Organizations: Patient organizations, museums, or media houses based in Denmark.
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Project Location: All funded activities must be based in Denmark.
Out of Scope Activities:
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General well-being or mental health projects that lack a specific neuroscience component.
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Participation in international competitions, courses, or travel to conferences.
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Pure translation projects or dissemination of research conducted outside of Denmark.
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Retrospective funding for events held before grant approval.
Funding and Budget Guidelines
The Lundbeck Foundation provides flexible funding based on project needs, with a focus on value for money.
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Primary Costs: Covers production, knowledge sharing, and project execution.
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External Evaluation: Applicants may request up to an additional 10% of the total project cost specifically for external evaluation services.
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Reporting: Successful recipients must provide annual narrative and financial reports via the LANAS system.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
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Identify the Target Group: Define a clear audience (e.g., students, patients, or the general public) and demonstrate a demand for your project.
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Develop a Description: Detail the project’s purpose, activities, and how it differs from existing initiatives.
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Register on LANAS: Create an account on the Lundbeck Foundation’s application system (LANAS).
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Prepare Supporting Documents: Collect CVs of applicants/co-applicants and letters of support from partner institutions.
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Draft the Budget: Provide a justified breakdown of costs, including the optional evaluation budget.
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Submit in Danish or English: Language choice does not impact the evaluation score.
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Adhere to Deadlines: Ensure submission by 13:00 CET on the deadline date.
Important Dates (2026 Cycle)
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First Deadline: 3 February 2026 (Expected approval: April 2026).
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Additional Deadlines: Three remaining dates throughout 2026 to be announced on the foundation website.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Lacking Neuroscience Depth: Projects that are too general regarding “mental health” without a brain-science link are frequently rejected.
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Passive vs. Active: Ensure your project involves participants in the process. Simple lectures are less competitive than interactive workshops or immersive documentaries.
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Missing Evaluation Plan: The foundation values measurable impact. Use the additional 10% budget to hire experts to track your project’s success.
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Inadequate Anchoring: Projects that disappear once funding stops are less attractive. Show how the project will live on.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I apply for a project that has already started? No. Funding cannot be sought for projects or events that take place before the expected approval of the grant.
2. Is there a limit to how many times I can apply? The main applicant may only submit one application per year for this specific call.
3. Do projects have to be in the Danish language? Applications can be in Danish or English. While the projects must be based in Denmark, the language used for the engagement (e.g., a podcast or festival) should suit the target audience.
4. What is meant by “psychiatry” in the context of this grant? The foundation welcomes neuroscience-related disciplines, including psychiatry, provided the focus remains on the scientific understanding of the brain and brain disorders.
5. Who makes the final funding decisions? Assessments are conducted by Lundbeck Foundation representatives, with the final decision made by the Board of Trustees.
6. Can a patient organization apply? Yes. Patient organizations seeking to engage the public in neuroscience and health-related matters to create lasting change are encouraged to apply.
7. Can I request funding for a TV series or documentary? Yes. Creative media formats like TV series, documentaries, podcasts, and explainers are eligible communication projects.
Conclusion
The Lundbeck Foundation Science Engagement and Communication Grant is a premier opportunity to bring the complexities of the brain to a wider audience. By prioritizing active participation and scientific rigor, the program creates “ripple effects” that benefit both the Danish scientific community and society at large. Applicants should focus on feasibility, scalability, and clear neuroscience relevance to ensure a successful proposal in 2026.
For more information, visit The Lundbeck Foundation.