PhD Scholarships for Research in Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology (Denmark)

The Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DDEA) is offering eight 2/3-financed PhD scholarships for research projects in diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology in Denmark. Each selected PhD candidate will receive DKK 1,100,000 to cover salary and tuition fees for two years during a three-year PhD programme.

Overview of the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy PhD Scholarships

The Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy (DDEA) has opened applications for eight PhD scholarships supporting innovative research projects within diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology.

The scholarships aim to strengthen Danish research capacity by supporting talented PhD candidates working on projects that contribute to improved understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of metabolic and endocrine diseases.

The programme encourages research projects that promote international collaboration, interdisciplinary approaches, cross-sector partnerships, and patient or public involvement.

Purpose of the Scholarship Programme

The DDEA PhD Scholarship Programme supports early-career researchers conducting high-quality scientific research in areas related to:

Diabetes.
Metabolism.
Endocrinology.
Related biomedical and health research fields.

The programme aims to develop future research leaders while strengthening collaboration between universities, healthcare systems, industry, and society.

Key Funding Focus Areas

All proposed PhD projects should address one or more of the DDEA’s four main focus areas.

Internationalisation

Projects should encourage international research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and participation in global scientific networks.

Interdisciplinarity

Research proposals should demonstrate collaboration across different scientific disciplines and expertise areas.

Collaboration Across Sectors

Projects should promote cooperation between:

Universities.
Hospitals.
Research institutions.
Industry partners.
Other relevant stakeholders.

Patient and Public Involvement

Projects are encouraged to include patients, communities, or public stakeholders where relevant.

Funding Amount and Scholarship Support

Each selected PhD candidate will receive:

DKK 1,100,000 per scholarship.

The funding covers:

Salary costs.
Tuition fees.

The scholarship supports two years of funding during a three-year PhD programme.

The programme provides partial financing, meaning additional funding arrangements may be required for the complete PhD period.

Research Areas Supported

Applicants may submit projects from any research field connected to:

Diabetes research.
Metabolic diseases.
Endocrine disorders.
Related biomedical sciences.

Projects may involve areas such as:

Disease mechanisms.
Prevention strategies.
New treatments.
Diagnostics.
Clinical research.
Translational medicine.
Public health approaches.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The scholarship is open to PhD candidates who meet the academic and programme requirements.

Important eligibility conditions include:

Applicants must apply themselves.
Principal investigators cannot submit applications on behalf of candidates.
Applicants must not already be enrolled as a PhD student when grant notifications are issued.

Academic Requirements

Applicants must hold:

A Master’s degree from a Danish university, or
An equivalent foreign degree approved by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science.

The required degree must be completed and approved by the application time.

Supervisor Requirements

The principal supervisor must:

Be employed at the Danish university where the applicant seeks PhD enrolment.
Be an associate professor or professor.
Conduct research within the relevant subject area.

Applicants should confirm supervisor availability and eligibility before submitting an application.

Important Application Restrictions

Applicants must follow specific participation rules.

The rules include:

Each candidate can submit only one PhD scholarship application during the application round across all DDEA PhD scholarship calls.
Principal supervisors may host only:
- One active 2/3 DDEA-funded PhD scholar, or
- One two-year DDEA-funded postdoctoral fellow at a time.

Candidates should discuss these restrictions with their principal supervisor before applying.

How to Apply for the DDEA PhD Scholarship

Applicants must prepare a complete application package containing all required documents.

Step 1: Develop the Research Proposal

The project description should explain:

Research objectives.
Scientific background.
Methodology.
Expected outcomes.
Importance for diabetes, metabolism, or endocrinology research.

Step 2: Explain Alignment With DDEA Priorities

Applicants must describe how their project contributes to:

Internationalisation.
Interdisciplinary research.
Cross-sector collaboration.
Patient and public involvement.

Step 3: Collect Required Documents

The application must include:

Title page.
English abstract.
Danish lay abstract.
Project description.
Motivation letter.
Description of connection to DDEA focus areas.
Recommendation letter from principal supervisor.
Applicant CV.
Publication list.
Degree certificates.
Academic transcripts.
Principal supervisor’s short CV.
Additional supporting documents where relevant.

Step 4: Submit Application

Applicants must submit their completed application according to DDEA requirements and ensure all documents are included before the deadline.

Selection Considerations

Applications are expected to be assessed based on:

Scientific quality of the proposed project.
Relevance to diabetes, metabolism, or endocrinology.
Applicant’s qualifications.
Supervisor expertise.
Alignment with DDEA focus areas.
Potential contribution to research advancement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

Applying without confirming supervisor eligibility.
Submitting more than one scholarship application.
Providing incomplete academic documents.
Failing to explain alignment with DDEA priorities.
Preparing unclear research objectives.
Ignoring patient or public involvement opportunities.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their proposals by:

Presenting a clear and innovative research question.
Explaining the expected scientific and societal impact.
Demonstrating collaboration opportunities.
Highlighting previous research experience.
Clearly connecting the project to DDEA’s four focus areas.
Preparing a strong motivation letter explaining career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy PhD Scholarship?

It is a funding programme that supports PhD candidates conducting research in diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology in Denmark.

How many scholarships are available?

The programme offers eight 2/3-financed PhD scholarships.

How much funding does each PhD candidate receive?

Each selected candidate receives DKK 1,100,000 to support salary and tuition costs for two years.

Who can apply for the scholarship?

PhD candidates with a qualifying Master’s degree from Denmark or an approved equivalent foreign degree can apply.

Can principal investigators apply on behalf of candidates?

No. Only PhD candidates can submit applications.

Can currently enrolled PhD students apply?

Applicants must not already be enrolled as PhD students when grant notifications are issued on 26 November 2026.

What research areas are supported?

Projects must relate to diabetes, metabolism, endocrinology, or closely connected research areas.

Conclusion

The Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy PhD Scholarships provide valuable support for emerging researchers working on important challenges in diabetes, metabolism, and endocrinology.

By supporting interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, sector partnerships, and patient involvement, the programme aims to strengthen Denmark’s research environment and develop the next generation of scientific leaders in metabolic and endocrine health.