Deadline: 18-Aug-2026
The Industrial PhD Scholarships Program is inviting applications for 2/3-financed Industrial PhD Scholarships supporting research in diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology. Each scholarship provides DKK 1,100,000 to cover salary and tuition fees for two years of a three-year PhD programme while promoting collaboration between Danish universities and life-science industry partners.
Industrial PhD Scholarships Program
The programme supports Industrial PhD research projects that combine academic excellence with industry collaboration. It encourages projects that strengthen partnerships between universities and the life-science industry while advancing research in diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology.
Applications may be submitted for any research field related to these disciplines.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Support Industrial PhD research projects.
- Advance research in diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology.
- Strengthen collaboration between universities and the life-science industry.
- Promote interdisciplinary research.
- Encourage international collaboration.
- Foster collaboration across sectors.
- Support meaningful patient and public involvement (PPI).
Funding Priorities
Applications should demonstrate contributions to one or more of the following funding focus areas:
- International collaboration.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Collaboration across sectors.
- Patient and Public Involvement (PPI).
Eligible Research Areas
The programme supports research projects related to:
- Diabetes.
- Metabolism.
- Endocrinology.
Projects from any research field within these subject areas are eligible.
Funding Available
Each scholarship provides:
- DKK 1,100,000
Funding covers:
- Salary costs.
- Tuition fees.
The grant finances two years of a three-year Industrial PhD programme.
At least part of the remaining project funding must be provided by the life-science industry partner.
Project Requirements
Applications must clearly describe:
- The collaboration between the academic institution and the life-science industry partner.
- The contribution of each project partner.
- The planned research activities.
- How the project addresses the programme’s funding priorities.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Apply as PhD candidates, not as Principal Investigators.
- Hold a Master’s degree from a Danish university or an equivalent foreign qualification approved by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science by the application date.
Applicants who have not yet completed their Master’s degree must:
- Submit a statement from their thesis supervisor confirming the expected thesis submission and examination dates.
- Provide the degree certificate to the DDEA Secretariat within six months of receiving the grant notification letter.
Applicants must also:
- Not already be enrolled as PhD students when the grant notification letter is issued.
The Principal Supervisor must:
- Be employed at the faculty of the Danish university where the applicant will be enrolled.
- Hold the position of Associate Professor or Professor.
- Conduct research within the relevant academic field.
Application Restrictions
Applicants should note that:
- Only one PhD scholarship application may be submitted per application round across all DDEA PhD scholarship calls.
- A Principal Supervisor or Principal Investigator may supervise only one active 2/3 DDEA-funded PhD scholar or one active two-year DDEA-funded postdoctoral fellow at a time, unless the previous grant has concluded before the DDEA Board makes its funding decision in November 2026.
- Applicants should confirm supervisor eligibility before submitting an application.
Required Application Documents
Applications must include:
- Title page.
- English abstract.
- Danish abstract.
- Project description.
- Motivation letter.
- Statement addressing the four DDEA funding focus areas.
- Recommendation letters.
- Applicant’s CV.
- Publication list.
- Degree certificates.
- Principal Supervisor’s CV.
- Relevant supporting documentation.
Why This Programme Matters
The Industrial PhD Scholarships Program strengthens collaboration between academia and industry while supporting research that addresses major health challenges related to diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology. By encouraging interdisciplinary partnerships and patient involvement, the programme helps translate scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions.
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should:
- Confirm eligibility with the Principal Supervisor.
- Develop a research project with an academic institution and life-science industry partner.
- Ensure the project addresses one or more DDEA funding priorities.
- Prepare all required application documents.
- Secure recommendation letters and supporting documentation.
- Submit the completed application before the application deadline.
Application Tips
- Clearly explain the collaboration between the university and industry partner.
- Demonstrate how the project contributes to diabetes, metabolism, or endocrinology research.
- Address the four DDEA funding focus areas in detail.
- Prepare strong motivation and project descriptions.
- Confirm that all eligibility requirements are met before submission.
- Ensure all required documents are complete and up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
PhD candidates with a Master’s degree from a Danish university or an equivalent approved foreign qualification who are not yet enrolled in a PhD programme.
How much funding is available?
Each scholarship provides DKK 1,100,000.
What does the scholarship cover?
The funding covers salary and tuition fees for two years of a three-year Industrial PhD programme.
What research areas are eligible?
Projects related to diabetes, metabolism, or endocrinology are eligible.
Is industry collaboration required?
Yes. Projects must include collaboration between an academic institution and a life-science industry partner, with part of the remaining funding provided by the industry partner.
Can applicants submit more than one application?
No. Only one application may be submitted per applicant across the various DDEA PhD scholarship calls during each application round.
Conclusion
The Industrial PhD Scholarships Program provides substantial funding for collaborative research projects in diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology while strengthening partnerships between Danish universities and the life-science industry. Through support for interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and patient involvement, the programme helps develop the next generation of researchers working to improve health outcomes.
For more information, visit DDEA.