Open Call: Industrial Postdoc in the Public Sector 2026 (Denmark)

The Industrial Postdoc in the Public Sector Programme supports collaborative research projects between public organisations, research institutions, and Postdoc candidates in Denmark. The programme provides financial support to apply academic research in real-world settings, strengthen university-public sector partnerships, and create practical solutions with societal value.

Overview of Industrial Postdoc in the Public Sector Programme

The Industrial Postdoc in the Public Sector Programme is a research funding initiative supported by Innovation Fund Denmark.

The programme aims to connect:

• Public organisations.
• Research institutions.
• Highly qualified Postdoc candidates.

The initiative helps transform academic research into practical solutions that create value for public-sector organisations and society.

Purpose of the Programme

The main objective of the programme is to promote research collaboration that produces both scientific and practical outcomes.

The programme focuses on:

• Creating new knowledge and innovative solutions.
• Applying research in real-life public-sector environments.
• Strengthening cooperation between universities and public organisations.
• Helping researchers gain practical experience.
• Developing solutions that address organisational and societal challenges.

Key Features of the Programme

The Industrial Postdoc programme supports projects that:

• Combine academic research with practical implementation.
• Create measurable value for public organisations.
• Encourage innovation in public services.
• Strengthen knowledge exchange between researchers and organisations.
• Develop future research leaders.

Thematic Focus Areas

Projects may be developed within:

• Four designated thematic focus areas.
• Other research areas outside the specified themes.

Applicants should demonstrate how their project contributes to innovation, knowledge development, and practical improvement.

How the Programme Works

The programme is based on a three-party collaboration model involving:

Public Organisation

The organisation:

• Provides a real-world research environment.
• Defines practical challenges.
• Supports project implementation.

Research Institution

The research institution:

• Provides academic supervision.
• Supports research quality.
• Helps develop scientific methods.

Industrial Postdoc Candidate

The Postdoc candidate:

• Conducts the research project.
• Applies academic knowledge to practical challenges.
• Develops solutions with public-sector impact.

Funding Support Available

Innovation Fund Denmark provides co-financing for eligible project expenses.

The funding includes:

Industrial Postdoc Salary Support

• Up to DKK 22,000 per month for the candidate’s salary.

Travel Expenses

• Up to DKK 2,500 per month for organisation-related travel expenses connected with the candidate.

Research Institution Support

• Up to DKK 10,000 per month, including overhead costs, for research institution expenses related to the project.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to:

• Public organisations.
• Research institutions.
• Eligible Postdoc candidates.

Eligibility Requirements for Organisations

Applicants must:

• Have a geographical department located in Denmark.
• Have sufficient financial resources to complete the project.
• Provide appropriate facilities and support for research activities.

Eligibility Requirements for Research Institutions

Universities and research institutions must:

• Participate as project partners.
• Assign a qualified supervisor for the Postdoc project.
• Support the scientific development of the research.

Eligibility Requirements for Postdoc Candidates

Candidates must:

• Hold a PhD degree.
• Have obtained their PhD within the last five years at the time of application.
• Be able to conduct research within the proposed project area.

Who Should Apply?

The programme is suitable for:

• Public organisations seeking research-based solutions.
• Universities developing applied research projects.
• Recent PhD graduates interested in industry or public-sector research careers.
• Organisations looking to improve services through innovation.

Benefits of the Industrial Postdoc Programme

The programme provides benefits for all partners.

Benefits for Public Organisations

Public organisations can:

• Access advanced research expertise.
• Develop evidence-based solutions.
• Improve services and processes.
• Build stronger links with universities.

Benefits for Research Institutions

Research institutions can:

• Expand applied research opportunities.
• Strengthen partnerships outside academia.
• Increase practical impact of research.

Benefits for Postdoc Candidates

Candidates can:

• Gain professional research experience.
• Apply academic knowledge to real challenges.
• Build networks with public-sector organisations.
• Improve future career opportunities.

How to Apply

Applicants should prepare a collaborative project proposal explaining:

• The research challenge.
• The role of each partner.
• Expected innovation and practical value.
• Research methodology.
• Project timeline.
• Budget requirements.

Application Process Steps

Step 1: Build a Partnership

Applicants should establish collaboration between:

• A public organisation.
• A research institution.
• A qualified Postdoc candidate.

Step 2: Define the Research Project

The proposal should explain:

• The problem being addressed.
• The research objectives.
• How results will benefit the organisation.

Step 3: Prepare the Budget

Applicants should include:

• Candidate salary costs.
• Travel expenses.
• Research institution expenses.

Step 4: Submit the Application

The completed proposal should be submitted according to Innovation Fund Denmark’s application requirements.

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants should:

• Clearly explain practical benefits.
• Demonstrate strong collaboration between partners.
• Connect research goals with organisational needs.
• Present realistic implementation plans.
• Highlight long-term impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Submitting projects without a clear public-sector challenge.
• Failing to define partner responsibilities.
• Choosing research topics without practical application.
• Providing unclear budgets.
• Ignoring the five-year PhD eligibility requirement.

Why This Programme Matters

Public organisations face increasingly complex challenges that require innovative solutions based on research and evidence.

The Industrial Postdoc in the Public Sector Programme helps bridge the gap between academia and public services by enabling researchers to work directly on practical problems.

The programme contributes to:

• Public-sector innovation.
• Research-based decision-making.
• Stronger university partnerships.
• Improved services for communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Industrial Postdoc in the Public Sector Programme?

It is a funding programme that supports research projects involving public organisations, research institutions, and Postdoc candidates to develop practical solutions through collaboration.

Who funds the Industrial Postdoc programme?

The programme is supported by Innovation Fund Denmark.

How much funding can a Postdoc candidate receive?

The programme provides up to DKK 22,000 per month for the Industrial Postdoc candidate’s salary.

Who can apply for this programme?

Public organisations, research institutions, and eligible Postdoc candidates can participate through collaborative projects.

How old can the PhD degree be for applicants?

The applicant’s PhD degree must be a maximum of five years old at the time of application.

Can projects outside the four thematic areas apply?

Yes. The programme supports projects within the four focus areas as well as relevant projects outside those themes.

What is the main goal of the programme?

The main goal is to bring research into practical use by creating innovation and value for public organisations and society.

Conclusion

The Industrial Postdoc in the Public Sector Programme provides an important pathway for transforming research into practical solutions. By connecting public organisations, universities, and talented researchers, the programme strengthens innovation, improves public services, and creates long-term value through research-based collaboration.