Deadline: 09-Apr-2026
The Lundbeck Foundation Start-Up Programme supports the recruitment of top international and industry-based researchers to permanent neuroscience positions at Danish universities and hospitals. With funding of DKK 7–11 million for up to four years, the programme promotes brain research, advances treatment of neurological disorders, and encourages diversity in research recruitment. Applications require institutional preapproval and focus on proposals with measurable scientific and clinical impact.
Overview
The Lundbeck Foundation Start-Up Programme aims to strengthen Danish neuroscience by attracting talented researchers to permanent positions at universities and hospitals. It promotes excellence in brain research, encompassing basic and clinical neuroscience, as well as other fields with clear relevance to neuroscience, including medical, technical, natural, social sciences, and humanities. The programme also prioritizes diversity in recruitment, including gender and ethnic origin.
Objectives of the Programme
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Advance understanding of the brain and brain disorders.
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Promote prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological conditions.
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Ensure Denmark has top scientists and graduates across all career levels.
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Encourage diverse recruitment to strengthen the Danish neuroscience workforce.
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Align recruitment with the institution’s scientific and educational strategies.
Funding Details
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Associate Professor: Up to DKK 7 million for four years.
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Full Professor: Up to DKK 11 million for four years.
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Funding supports research within basic or clinical neuroscience or related scientific fields.
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Eligible positions must be permanent, with salaries covered by the hiring institution.
Eligibility Criteria for Candidates
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Must have spent at least two years in active research outside Denmark or in industry prior to recruitment.
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Able to start full-time within one year after approval.
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Research proposal must demonstrate short- or long-term impact on neuroscience or therapies for nervous system disorders.
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Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to strengthen diversity in Danish neuroscience.
Application Process
Step 1: Institutional Application
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Only university or hospital leaders with hiring authority can submit applications.
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Institutions apply for funding to recruit a permanent associate or full professor aligned with strategic goals.
Step 2: Candidate Submission
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Once a preferred candidate is identified, the candidate submits a detailed research proposal.
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Preapproval from the institution is required before the step-2 application is submitted.
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Proposals are evaluated based on scientific excellence, relevance to neuroscience, and potential impact.
Key Requirements for Research Proposals
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Focus on basic or clinical neuroscience, or related disciplines relevant to brain research.
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Demonstrate potential short- or long-term scientific and clinical impact.
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Align with the strategic priorities of the recruiting institution.
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Highlight plans for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge dissemination.
Common Tips and Mistakes
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Tip: Ensure the candidate has at least two years of external research experience.
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Tip: Align research proposals with the institution’s strategic goals.
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Mistake: Applying without preapproval from the institution.
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Mistake: Submitting candidates who cannot start full-time within one year.
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Mistake: Focusing solely on internal Danish experience instead of international or industry experience.
FAQs
1. Who can be recruited under this programme? Researchers at associate professor or professor level with at least two years of research outside Denmark or in industry.
2. What funding is provided? DKK 7 million for associate professors, DKK 11 million for full professors, for up to four years.
3. Which fields are eligible? Basic or clinical neuroscience, or related scientific fields including medical, technical, natural, social sciences, and humanities.
4. Are candidates from all backgrounds eligible? Yes, the programme encourages diversity in recruitment.
5. Who submits the initial application? Only university or hospital leaders with authority to hire permanent positions.
6. What is the timeline for candidate approval? Candidates must be able to start full-time within one year of approval.
7. Is institutional preapproval required? Yes, the preferred candidate must receive preapproval before submitting a step-2 application.
Conclusion
The Lundbeck Foundation Start-Up Programme provides significant funding and strategic support to attract top international researchers to Denmark, strengthening neuroscience research, advancing therapies for neurological disorders, and promoting diversity and excellence across Danish universities and hospitals. Candidates and institutions aligned with these objectives are positioned to maximize the programme’s impact.
For more information, visit The Lundbeck Foundation.
