Call for Applications: Research in Psychiatry 2027 (Denmark)

The Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF) Research in Psychiatry 2027 funding programme supports research projects that improve the prevention and treatment of mental disorders while strengthening psychiatry research capacity in Denmark. Projects can receive up to DKK 5,000,000 (excluding overhead costs) for a duration of up to five years, and every project must include at least one PhD student or postdoctoral researcher.

About the DFF Research in Psychiatry 2027

The Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF) is inviting applications for the Research in Psychiatry 2027 funding programme to support high-quality research that advances the prevention and treatment of mental disorders while strengthening research capacity within psychiatry.

The initiative follows the Agreement on a 10-year Plan for Psychiatry and Mental Health (2022) and aims to improve mental health outcomes by supporting innovative research, expanding scientific knowledge, and developing stronger research environments. It also seeks to build the next generation of psychiatry researchers by integrating early-career researchers into funded projects.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Improve the prevention of mental disorders.
• Advance treatment approaches for mental illnesses.
• Strengthen research into poor mental well-being and psychiatric conditions.
• Enhance the quality of professional mental health services.
• Build stronger psychiatry research environments.
• Support recruitment and retention of researchers and healthcare professionals.
• Increase long-term research capacity in psychiatry.
• Promote evidence-based mental healthcare.

Priority Research Areas

Applications are encouraged in research areas including:

• Prevention of mental disorders
• Prevention of poor mental well-being
• Treatment of psychiatric disorders
• Mental health interventions
• Clinical psychiatry research
• Mental healthcare improvement
• Psychiatric service delivery
• Research capacity building
• Workforce development in psychiatry
• Evidence-based mental health practices

Why This Funding Matters

Mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability worldwide and place significant pressure on healthcare systems and society. Strengthening psychiatry research is essential for developing better prevention strategies, improving treatment methods, and ensuring people living with mental illnesses receive effective, high-quality care.

This programme also addresses the growing need for skilled researchers by supporting the education, recruitment, and retention of future experts in psychiatry.

Funding Information

Successful projects may receive:

• Funding of up to DKK 5,000,000 (excluding overhead costs).
• Project duration of up to five years.
• Support for collaborative psychiatry research.
• Funding for research capacity development.
• Opportunities to train future psychiatry researchers through PhD and postdoctoral positions.

Capacity Building Requirement

A key requirement of the programme is strengthening research capacity within psychiatry.

Each funded project must include:

• At least one PhD student, or
• At least one postdoctoral researcher.

This requirement supports the development of future research leaders while strengthening the psychiatry workforce.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• The Principal Investigator (Applicant) must hold a PhD degree or equivalent qualifications.
• The Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) must also hold a PhD degree or equivalent qualifications.
• Equivalent qualifications may include a positive assistant professorship evaluation.
• Qualifications must be obtained before the application deadline.
• Every project must have both an Applicant and a named Co-PI working in a formal research collaboration.

Project Requirements

Eligible projects should:

• Focus on psychiatry or mental health research.
• Address prevention or treatment of mental disorders.
• Demonstrate scientific excellence and innovation.
• Include a formal collaboration between the Applicant and Co-PI.
• Include at least one PhD student or postdoctoral researcher.
• Be completed within five years.
• Contribute to strengthening psychiatry research capacity.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the Research in Psychiatry 2027 programme guidelines.
2. Develop a collaborative psychiatry research project.
3. Identify and confirm a qualified Co-PI.
4. Include at least one PhD student or postdoctoral researcher in the project.
5. Prepare the complete research proposal and supporting documentation.
6. Demonstrate the scientific quality, innovation, and expected impact of the project.
7. Submit the application before the official deadline.

Benefits of the Programme

Successful applicants will benefit from:

• Funding of up to DKK 5,000,000.
• Support for projects lasting up to five years.
• Opportunities to strengthen psychiatry research environments.
• Development of future researchers through PhD and postdoctoral training.
• Enhanced collaboration between leading psychiatry researchers.
• Contribution to improved prevention and treatment of mental disorders.
• Advancement of evidence-based mental healthcare.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain the psychiatric problem being addressed.
• Demonstrate strong scientific methodology.
• Show how the research improves prevention or treatment.
• Present a realistic project timeline.
• Explain the role of the PhD student or postdoctoral researcher.
• Highlight the expertise of both the Applicant and Co-PI.
• Demonstrate the long-term impact on psychiatry research.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

• Omitting the required PhD student or postdoctoral researcher.
• Failing to include a qualified Co-PI.
• Weak collaboration plans.
• Unclear research objectives.
• Poorly justified methodology.
• Unrealistic project timelines or budgets.
• Incomplete supporting documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the maximum funding available?

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

How long can projects last?

Projects may have a duration of up to five years.

Is collaboration required?

Yes. Every project must include both a Principal Investigator and a named Co-Principal Investigator working in a formal research collaboration.

Is capacity building mandatory?

Yes. Every application must include at least one PhD student or postdoctoral researcher.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants and Co-PIs must hold a PhD degree or equivalent qualifications by the application deadline.

What types of research are supported?

The programme supports research focused on preventing mental disorders, improving treatment approaches, strengthening psychiatry research environments, and enhancing mental healthcare.

What is the main objective of the programme?

The programme aims to strengthen psychiatry research, improve prevention and treatment of mental illnesses, and build long-term research capacity in Denmark.

Conclusion

The DFF Research in Psychiatry 2027 programme provides substantial funding to advance psychiatry research while building long-term research capacity. By supporting collaborative projects, integrating PhD and postdoctoral researchers, and investing in innovative approaches to mental health prevention and treatment, the programme contributes to stronger research environments and improved care for people living with mental illnesses.