Apply for DFF Research Project2 Grants (Denmark)

The DFF Research Project2 E26 grant supports large-scale, high-quality research projects in Denmark that promote scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation across disciplines. It provides funding between DKK 2.55 million and DKK 4.45 million for ambitious research initiatives, including those with PhD and postdoctoral components. The programme is designed for projects with strong international standards and clear research impact.

Overview

The DFF Research Project2 E26 is a funding instrument by Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF) that supports ambitious, resource-intensive research projects.

It is designed for:

• Large-scale research initiatives
• Collaborative or team-based projects
• High-impact scientific research aligned with international standards

Projects can be:

• Led by a single principal investigator with a research team, or
• Conducted through multi-researcher collaboration

Key Focus Areas

Core Research Themes

The programme supports:

• Independent and curiosity-driven research
• Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects
• Scientific excellence and innovation
• Advanced knowledge creation
• Academic publication and dissemination

Capacity Building Components

Projects may include:

• PhD scholarships
• Postdoctoral research positions
• Research training and mentoring
• Institutional and team development

Funding Details

Grant Amount

• Minimum funding: DKK 2,550,000
• Maximum funding: DKK 4,450,000
• (Excluding overhead costs)

Project Scope

• Supports fixed-term research projects
• Based on original research ideas
• Must demonstrate high international scientific quality

Budget Requirements

• Mandatory use of the official budget template
• Budget submission via the e-grant system

Who is Eligible?

Applicant Profile

Applicants must:

• Be active researchers with the capacity to lead large projects
• Demonstrate strong academic and research track records
• Be affiliated with an eligible Danish research institution

Project Requirements

Eligible projects must:

• Show clear scientific objectives and innovation
• Demonstrate collaboration or team structure
• Align with DFF’s funding purpose and evaluation criteria

Why This Grant Matters

Strategic Value

The programme:

• Enables large, high-impact research projects
• Strengthens collaboration across disciplines
• Enhances Denmark’s global research competitiveness
• Supports next-generation researchers through PhD and postdoc roles

Research Impact

• Drives innovation and discovery
• Produces high-quality publications
• Builds long-term research capacity

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Define Your Research Project
   • Develop a clear, original, and impactful research idea
2. Build Your Research Team
   • Identify collaborators, PhD candidates, and postdocs
3. Prepare Project Proposal
   Include:
   • Research objectives and questions
   • Methodology and work plan
   • Expected outcomes and impact
   • Publication and dissemination strategy
4. Develop Budget
   • Use the mandatory template
   • Ensure realistic and justified cost estimates
5. Submit Application
   • Submit in English via the e-grant system
6. Evaluation Process
   Applications are assessed based on:
   • Scientific quality and originality
   • Feasibility and methodology
   • Collaboration and team structure
   • Expected impact and relevance

Key Deadline

• Application deadline: 7 October 2026

Key Concepts Explained

What is Research Project2?

A funding instrument for:

• Large-scale research projects
• Projects requiring significant resources and coordination
• Research with high ambition and complexity

What is Interdisciplinary Research?

Research that:

• Combines multiple academic disciplines
• Solves complex problems through integrated approaches

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a small-scale project unsuitable for this grant
• Weak explanation of collaboration or team roles
• Poorly structured project management plan
• Incomplete or unrealistic budget
• clearly defining research impact and outputs

Pro Tips

• Demonstrate clear synergy between sub-projects
• Highlight international relevance and standards
• Include strong publication and dissemination plans
• Ensure PhD/postdoc roles are well integrated and meaningful

FAQ

1. What is the funding range for this grant?

Between DKK 2,550,000 and DKK 4,450,000, excluding overhead.

2. Can a single researcher apply?

Yes, but the project must involve a research team and justify the scale of funding.

3. Are PhD and postdoc positions allowed?

Yes, they can be included if they are integrated into the project with clear roles.

4. What language should the application be in?

Applications must be submitted in English.

5. What type of research is supported?

Independent, high-quality, and innovative research across all disciplines.

6. How are applications evaluated?

Based on quality, originality, feasibility, collaboration, and impact.

7. What is the deadline?

7 October 2026.

Conclusion

The DFF Research Project2 E26 grant is a premier funding opportunity for researchers aiming to lead large, collaborative, and high-impact research projects. With substantial funding and a strong emphasis on excellence, innovation, and teamwork, it provides a powerful platform to advance scientific knowledge and strengthen research capacity in Denmark.