Clinical and Independent Research Grant Program 2027 (Denmark)

The Clinical and Independent Research Grant Program supports high-quality collaborative research projects led by two experienced researchers working together on a clearly defined research question. The programme provides funding of up to DKK 5,000,000 for projects lasting up to five years, with a focus on strong scientific collaboration, international research standards, and coordinated research activities.

About the Clinical and Independent Research Grant Program

The Clinical and Independent Research Grant Program is designed to support advanced research projects that require collaboration between experienced researchers.

The programme encourages research partnerships where two leading researchers combine expertise, coordinate sub-projects, and create stronger scientific outcomes than independent research efforts.

The grant supports projects that demonstrate:

Strong scientific quality.
Clear research collaboration.
International research relevance.
Coordinated research activities.
Potential contribution to knowledge advancement.

Purpose of the Grant

The programme aims to:

Support ambitious collaborative research.
Strengthen research excellence.
Encourage coordinated scientific investigations.
Promote interdisciplinary approaches.
Develop international research partnerships.
Support innovative solutions to important research questions.

Funding Details

Successful applicants can request:

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

The grant supports large-scale research projects requiring collaboration between experienced researchers.

Research Collaboration Structure

Each project must include:

One main applicant.
One named Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI).

Both researchers are jointly responsible for developing and implementing the research collaboration.

The project leadership structure should demonstrate:

Clear division of responsibilities.
Strong cooperation between researchers.
Balanced contributions from all team members.
Coordination between different research components.

Role of the Main Applicant

The main applicant will:

Lead the research project.
Act as the primary contact with the funding organisation.
Coordinate project implementation.
Ensure completion of reporting and administrative requirements.

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

The Co-PI will:

Share responsibility for research collaboration.
Contribute significant scientific expertise.
Support project development and implementation.
Participate in decision-making processes.

The relationship between the applicant and Co-PI must represent a meaningful and binding research partnership.

Project Requirements

Eligible projects should:

Address a clearly defined research question.
Include multiple researchers.
Demonstrate collaboration between research teams.
Establish synergy between sub-projects.
Maintain international research standards.
Include international collaboration where relevant.

Each research contribution should be clearly justified.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to experienced researchers who meet the academic requirements.

Applicants and Co-PIs must:

Hold a PhD degree or equivalent qualification before the application deadline.
Demonstrate strong research experience.
Have relevant scientific achievements.
Show expertise related to the proposed research area.

Research Experience Assessment

Researchers will be evaluated based on:

Previous scientific achievements.
Career stage.
Research contributions.
Relevance of expertise to the proposed project.
Ability to address scientific challenges.

Evaluation considers both established researchers and their professional development stage.

International Collaboration Requirements

Projects are encouraged to include international research cooperation where appropriate.

International partnerships may strengthen:

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

How to Apply

Applicants must prepare and submit a complete application package.

The application process includes:

Develop a research proposal based on a clear scientific question.
Establish collaboration between the main applicant and Co-PI.
Define roles and responsibilities.
Prepare project documentation.
Complete required templates.
Submit the application in English before the deadline.

Required Application Documents

Applications must include:

Mandatory project description.
Thematic appendix.
Detailed budget.
Applicant CV.
Co-PI CV.
Publication lists.
Other required supporting documents.

All documents must follow the prescribed formats and templates.

Application Format Requirements

Applicants must ensure:

The application is written in English.
Required templates are used.
Page limits are followed.
Character limits are respected.
All mandatory sections are completed.

Failure to meet formatting requirements may lead to administrative rejection.

Budget Requirements

The project budget should clearly explain:

Research activities.
Resources required.
Contributions of team members.
Funding allocation.
Justification for expenses.

The budget should reflect a balanced and realistic research plan.

Why This Grant Matters

Collaborative research is essential for addressing complex scientific challenges.

The programme helps researchers:

Build stronger research partnerships.
Develop internationally competitive projects.
Generate high-quality scientific knowledge.
Expand research networks.
Address important clinical and independent research questions.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

Clearly define the research question.
Explain why collaboration is necessary.
Demonstrate complementary expertise.
Provide a realistic project timeline.
Highlight previous research achievements.
Describe expected scientific impact.
Include strong international collaboration plans where relevant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Submitting unclear research objectives.
Failing to define researcher roles.
Providing an unbalanced collaboration structure.
Exceeding page or character limits.
Missing required documents.
Submitting incomplete budgets.
Not demonstrating scientific relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Clinical and Independent Research Grant Program?

It is a funding programme that supports collaborative research projects led by two experienced researchers working together on a defined research question.

How much funding can researchers receive?

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

What is the maximum project duration?

Projects can run for up to five years.

Who must lead the project?

Each project must have one main applicant and one named Co-Principal Investigator who share responsibility for the collaboration.

Can early-career researchers apply?

Applicants must have a PhD or equivalent qualification, and their achievements will be assessed according to career stage.

Are international collaborations required?

International collaboration is encouraged where relevant but is not mandatory for all projects.

What happens if application limits are exceeded?

Applications that exceed specified page or character limits may be administratively rejected.

Conclusion

The Clinical and Independent Research Grant Program provides major funding support for experienced researchers developing ambitious collaborative research projects. By encouraging strong partnerships, coordinated research activities, and internationally competitive science, the programme helps advance important clinical and independent research initiatives with long-term impact.