Deadline: 03-Jun-2026
The Independent Research Fund Denmark is inviting applications for research projects focused on learning and well-being in primary schools, upper secondary education, and vocational education. The call offers up to DKK 5,000,000 (excluding overhead) for collaborative projects lasting up to five years.
What is this Funding Opportunity?
This grant supports collaborative research projects that examine how to improve:
- Learning in primary schools
- Student well-being in primary schools
- Learning in upper secondary education
- Well-being in upper secondary education
- Learning in vocational education and training
- Well-being in vocational education and training
Projects must clearly align with these education research themes.
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: Up to DKK 5,000,000
- Overhead: Excluded
- Project duration: Up to 5 years
Who is Eligible?
The project must be a collaborative research project led by:
- 1 Applicant (Principal Investigator)
- 1 Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)
Both must:
- Hold a PhD or equivalent qualification at the time of application
- Have a strong academic background
- Show relevant research achievements based on career stage and field
Project Requirements
Eligible projects must:
- Involve multiple researchers
- Be built around a clear research question
- Show a binding collaboration between the applicant and Co-PI
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities
- Demonstrate synergy across all sub-projects and contributors
Why This Grant Matters
This funding supports evidence-based research that can improve:
- Educational outcomes
- Student mental health and well-being
- Teaching and learning environments
- School and vocational education quality
It is especially valuable for researchers working on education policy, pedagogy, student welfare, and school improvement.
How to Apply
- Check thematic fit
Ensure your project clearly focuses on learning and well-being in the eligible education levels. - Form the research team
Appoint an applicant and Co-PI, both with PhD-level qualifications. - Define the collaboration
Clearly explain roles, responsibilities, and how the partnership is structured. - Build the project design
Include a strong research question, methodology, and coordination across sub-projects. - Submit through the official portal
Follow the Independent Research Fund Denmark application rules and deadlines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a project outside the education theme
- Weak or unclear collaboration between applicant and Co-PI
- Missing evidence of role distribution
- Proposing separate sub-projects without clear synergy
- Failing to show academic strength of both leads
FAQ
1. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to DKK 5,000,000 excluding overhead.
2. How long can the project run?
Up to 5 years.
3. Who can lead the project?
An applicant and a Co-PI, both with a PhD or equivalent.
4. Is a Co-PI mandatory?
Yes, this call requires both an applicant and a Co-Principal Investigator.
5. What topics are eligible?
Research on learning and well-being in primary schools, upper secondary education, and vocational education.
6. Can a single researcher apply alone?
No, the project must involve multiple researchers and a formal applicant–Co-PI collaboration.
7. What makes a strong application?
A clear education research focus, strong academic profiles, defined roles, and strong synergy across the project.
Conclusion
This Independent Research Fund Denmark call is a strong opportunity for collaborative education researchers working on learning and well-being. With up to DKK 5 million available, it supports multi-researcher projects that can generate meaningful evidence for improving schools and vocational education in Denmark.
For more information, visit Independent Research Fund Denmark.
