CFPs: Green Research Grant Programme 2027 (Denmark)

Deadline: 24-Feb-2027

The Green Research Grant Programme supports interdisciplinary research projects that bring together researchers from different scientific fields to address important research questions through collaboration. The programme provides funding of up to DKK 5,000,000 for projects lasting up to five years, requiring cooperation between researchers from different European Research Council (ERC) scientific areas.

About the Green Research Grant Programme

The Green Research Grant Programme supports ambitious interdisciplinary research projects led by researchers from different scientific disciplines in Denmark.

The programme is designed to encourage collaboration between scientific areas that traditionally work separately but can create stronger solutions by combining expertise.

Projects should demonstrate clear scientific synergy, where different research components contribute together toward a shared research objective.

Purpose of the Programme

The programme aims to:

• Promote interdisciplinary research.
• Support collaboration across scientific fields.
• Encourage innovative approaches to complex research challenges.
• Strengthen research excellence in Denmark.
• Create synergy between different research areas.
• Support internationally competitive research projects.

Funding Details

Successful projects can receive:

• Maximum grant amount: DKK 5,000,000
• Funding period: Up to 5 years
• Overhead costs: Excluded from the grant amount

The funding supports large-scale interdisciplinary research activities involving multiple researchers.

Interdisciplinary Research Requirement

A key requirement of the programme is collaboration between different scientific fields.

The project must involve:

• Two lead researchers.
• Different main scientific areas.
• A shared research question.
• Integrated research activities.

The applicant and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) must represent different scientific areas according to the European Research Council (ERC) classification.

Research Collaboration Structure

Each project must include:

• One main applicant.
• One named Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI).
• Multiple researchers contributing to the project.
• At least one PhD student or postdoctoral researcher.

The collaboration must demonstrate:

• Balanced participation.
• Clear responsibilities.
• Strong coordination.
• Complementary expertise.

Role of the Main Applicant

The main applicant is responsible for:

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

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

The Co-PI must:

• Represent a different ERC scientific area.
• Contribute significant expertise.
• Participate actively in project development.
• Establish a binding research partnership with the applicant.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to researchers who meet the following requirements:

Applicants and Co-PIs must:

• Hold a PhD degree or equivalent qualification before the application deadline.
• Represent different ERC scientific fields.
• Lead a collaborative interdisciplinary research project.
• Demonstrate relevant research experience.

Requirement for PhD Students and Postdoctoral Researchers

Each project must include:

• At least one PhD student or postdoctoral candidate.

The researcher must have:

• A clear role in the project.
• Independent research responsibilities.
• Integration into the overall research plan.

If unnamed researchers are included, applicants must explain:

• Recruitment strategy.
• Selection process.
• Expected timeline.

Requirements for Named Postdoctoral Candidates

If a named postdoctoral candidate has not yet completed their PhD, the application 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 Project Requirements

Projects must:

• Address a clearly defined research question.
• Include researchers from multiple disciplines.
• Demonstrate collaboration between scientific fields.
• Create synergy between sub-projects.
• Maintain high international research standards.

The project should show that collaboration between disciplines creates added value beyond individual research efforts.

International Research Collaboration

Projects should include international collaboration where relevant.

International partnerships may strengthen:

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

If international collaboration is limited because of the nature of the project, applicants must explain the reasons in their proposal.

Application Requirements

Applications must:

• Be written in English.
• Clearly describe the interdisciplinary approach.
• Explain research objectives.
• Define participant roles.
• Present a realistic implementation plan.
• Include required supporting information.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Develop a research idea involving multiple scientific disciplines.
2. Identify a Co-PI from a different ERC scientific area.
3. Establish a clear collaboration structure.
4. Define roles for all researchers.
5. Prepare a detailed research proposal.
6. Include PhD student or postdoctoral researcher plans.
7. Submit the application in English according to programme requirements.

Project Proposal Requirements

A strong proposal should include:

• Research background.
• Defined research question.
• Interdisciplinary approach.
• Scientific objectives.
• Research methodology.
• Roles of project participants.
• Expected outcomes.
• International collaboration plans.
• Project timeline.
• Budget justification.

Why This Grant Matters

Interdisciplinary research helps address complex challenges that cannot be solved through a single scientific perspective.

The programme supports researchers by enabling:

• Cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange.
• Innovative research methods.
• Stronger scientific collaboration.
• Development of future researchers.
• High-impact research outcomes.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain why interdisciplinary collaboration is necessary.
• Demonstrate how different fields complement each other.
• Highlight expertise of both lead researchers.
• Provide clear roles for team members.
• Explain the contribution of PhD students or postdoctoral researchers.
• Show international research relevance.
• Present realistic research goals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Selecting a Co-PI from the same scientific area.
• Providing unclear researcher responsibilities.
• Failing to explain interdisciplinary benefits.
• Missing required researcher positions.
• Submitting incomplete recruitment plans.
• Ignoring international collaboration explanations.
• Writing unclear research objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Green Research Grant Programme?

It is a funding programme supporting interdisciplinary research projects that combine expertise from different scientific fields.

How much funding is available?

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

How long can projects run?

Projects can receive support for up to five years.

Who must lead the research project?

The project must be led by an applicant and a Co-Principal Investigator from different ERC scientific areas.

Are PhD students or postdoctoral researchers required?

Yes. Each project must include at least one PhD student or postdoctoral candidate with a clear role.

Must projects include international collaboration?

International collaboration is encouraged where relevant. If not included, applicants must explain why.

What language must applications use?

All applications must be submitted in English.

Conclusion

The Green Research Grant Programme provides significant support for interdisciplinary research projects that combine expertise from different scientific fields. By encouraging collaboration between researchers, supporting emerging scientists, and promoting internationally competitive research, the programme helps develop innovative solutions to complex scientific challenges.

For more information, visit DFF.