Deadline: 11-Sep-2026
The Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) is inviting researchers to submit pre-proposals for the 13th Round of Centers of Excellence, a major funding programme supporting ambitious, curiosity-driven research projects across all scientific disciplines in Denmark. The programme provides large, flexible grants to establish world-class research centers focused on groundbreaking discoveries, international collaboration, and development of future research leaders.
The initiative supports research environments with strong scientific visions, interdisciplinary approaches, and the capacity to attract outstanding researchers from Denmark and abroad.
Overview of the Danish National Research Foundation Centers of Excellence Programme
The Centers of Excellence programme is a flagship research funding initiative by the Danish National Research Foundation designed to support exceptional research teams working on ambitious scientific questions.
The programme provides long-term funding for research centers based at Danish institutions, primarily universities.
The initiative aims to:
- Support curiosity-driven research.
- Enable high-risk, high-impact scientific exploration.
- Create internationally competitive research environments.
- Encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Develop early-career researchers.
- Attract outstanding scientific talent.
The programme is open to all scientific fields and welcomes innovative research ideas that have the potential to transform scientific understanding.
Purpose of the Centers of Excellence Programme
The main objective of the programme is to establish research centers capable of achieving major scientific breakthroughs.
Funded centers are expected to:
- Develop ambitious research agendas.
- Pursue original and creative scientific questions.
- Build strong collaborative research communities.
- Encourage teamwork across disciplines.
- Provide opportunities for young researchers.
- Create internationally recognized research environments.
The programme emphasizes scientific excellence rather than predefined thematic priorities.
Eligible Research Areas
The programme is open to all areas of science.
Eligible fields include:
- Natural sciences.
- Social sciences.
- Humanities.
- Health sciences.
- Engineering.
- Interdisciplinary research areas.
- Emerging and novel scientific fields.
Researchers are encouraged to propose innovative ideas that challenge existing knowledge and explore new directions.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The programme supports research units located at Danish institutions.
Eligible applicants include:
- Researchers affiliated with Danish universities.
- Research teams based at eligible Danish research institutions.
- Established researchers capable of leading large-scale research initiatives.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- A clear scientific vision.
- Strong leadership ability.
- Capacity to build and manage a research center.
- Potential to create an internationally competitive research environment.
Research Center Expectations
Selected Centers of Excellence are expected to create dynamic and collaborative scientific communities.
Centers should focus on:
- Team-based research.
- Training and mentoring of early-career researchers.
- International collaboration.
- Recruitment of exceptional researchers.
- Development of long-term scientific capacity.
The programme encourages centers to operate as vibrant physical research communities rather than only as project networks.
Funding Details
The Danish National Research Foundation provides substantial long-term funding for selected Centers of Excellence.
Funding information:
- Initial funding period: Six years.
- Grant amount: 30 million DKK to 80 million DKK.
- Additional funding: Up to 20 million DKK for extraordinary costs when justified.
- Maximum center funding period: Up to 10 years.
The funding structure provides researchers with flexibility to pursue ambitious scientific goals.
Eligible Uses of Funding
The grant can support various direct research expenses.
Eligible costs include:
- Salaries for non-permanent research staff.
- Research assistants and scientific personnel.
- Operational research expenses.
- Laboratory and research equipment.
- Travel expenses.
- Research collaboration activities.
The programme encourages substantial investment in early-career researchers.
Institutional Support Requirements
Host institutions are expected to contribute support for funded centers.
Institutions should provide:
- Necessary infrastructure.
- Research facilities.
- Administrative support.
- In-kind contributions.
The institutional environment is considered an important factor in building successful Centers of Excellence.
Application Process
The application process consists of two main stages.
Stage 1: Pre-Proposal Submission
Researchers first submit a pre-proposal describing their proposed Center of Excellence.
The pre-proposal should explain:
- Research vision.
- Scientific objectives.
- Expected breakthroughs.
- Research approach.
- Leadership structure.
- Team composition.
Stage 2: Full Proposal Invitation
Selected applicants will be invited to submit a detailed full proposal.
The full proposal process includes:
- Expanded research plans.
- Detailed center organisation.
- Budget information.
- Research management strategy.
- Plans for collaboration and talent development.
Only shortlisted applicants proceed to the full proposal stage.
Evaluation and Selection Process
Applications undergo a rigorous international assessment process.
The evaluation considers:
- Scientific ambition.
- Originality of the research idea.
- Potential for groundbreaking discoveries.
- Quality of the research strategy.
- Leadership ability of the center director.
- Strength of the research team.
- Collaboration capacity.
- International competitiveness.
The selection process includes:
- Peer review by international experts.
- Interviews with applicants.
- Final decision by the DNRF board.
Funding Duration and Evaluation
Centers receive long-term support with ongoing performance assessments.
The evaluation timeline includes:
- Initial funding period: Six years.
- Mid-term evaluation: After five years.
- Possible continuation: Up to ten years.
- Final evaluation: At the end of the grant period.
Continued funding depends on research progress and evaluation outcomes.
Why the Centers of Excellence Programme Matters
The DNRF Centers of Excellence programme plays an important role in strengthening Denmark’s position as a global research leader.
The programme supports:
- Transformative scientific discoveries.
- International research excellence.
- Development of future scientists.
- Stronger research communities.
- Innovation across disciplines.
By providing flexible long-term funding, the programme allows researchers to pursue ambitious ideas that may not fit traditional short-term funding models.
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing incremental research rather than breakthrough-oriented ideas.
- Failing to demonstrate a clear scientific vision.
- Providing weak leadership plans.
- Not explaining how the center will develop young researchers.
- Creating unclear collaboration structures.
- Submitting proposals without strong institutional support.
Tips for Preparing a Strong Proposal
Applicants can strengthen their proposals by:
- Presenting a bold and original research vision.
- Clearly explaining potential scientific breakthroughs.
- Demonstrating why a center model is necessary.
- Highlighting team expertise and leadership capability.
- Showing plans for attracting international talent.
- Explaining how early-career researchers will be supported.
- Building a strong case for long-term scientific impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the DNRF Centers of Excellence Programme?
The Centers of Excellence Programme is a major funding initiative by the Danish National Research Foundation that supports ambitious, curiosity-driven research centers across all scientific disciplines in Denmark.
What type of research does the programme support?
The programme supports all scientific fields, including interdisciplinary and emerging research areas. It focuses on originality, creativity, and potential for major discoveries.
How much funding can a Center of Excellence receive?
Selected centers can receive between 30 million DKK and 80 million DKK for an initial six-year period, with possible additional funding for extraordinary costs.
Who can apply for the programme?
Researchers affiliated with eligible Danish institutions, particularly universities and research organizations, can apply to establish Centers of Excellence.
How long can funding continue?
Centers can receive funding for up to ten years, including an initial six-year period and possible continuation after evaluation.
How are proposals evaluated?
Proposals are reviewed by international experts and assessed based on scientific ambition, originality, leadership, research capacity, and potential for groundbreaking results.
Does the programme support early-career researchers?
Yes. Centers are expected to invest significantly in early-career researchers through training, mentorship, and research opportunities.
Conclusion
The Danish National Research Foundation’s 13th Round of Centers of Excellence programme provides a unique opportunity for researchers to establish internationally competitive research centers focused on groundbreaking discoveries. Through flexible long-term funding, strong scientific leadership, and support for emerging researchers, the programme aims to advance Denmark’s research excellence and create lasting contributions across all scientific fields.
For more information, visit Danish National Research Foundation.