Deadline: 03-Sep-2026
The Global Research Collaborations programme is designed to strengthen international scientific cooperation and promote advanced research partnerships between Danish institutions and leading international research organizations.
The programme supports:
- Long-term international collaboration
- Joint research and innovation activities
- Knowledge exchange and scientific cooperation
- Strategic technology development
- Innovation-driven research partnerships
The initiative focuses on building sustainable partnerships that contribute to Denmark’s research excellence and innovation ecosystem.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen Denmark’s international research collaboration
- Increase innovation capacity in strategic sectors
- Support interdisciplinary scientific partnerships
- Promote global knowledge sharing
- Advance research commercialization and application
- Build long-term cooperation between research institutions
Projects should demonstrate:
- Scientific excellence
- Innovation potential
- Strong international collaboration
- Long-term research value
Strategic Thematic Areas
Projects must align with at least one of the programme’s defined thematic priorities.
Biosolutions
The Biosolutions focus area supports:
- Sustainable bio-based solutions
- Green technologies
- Biotechnological innovation
- Circular economy approaches
- Sustainable industrial systems
Projects may address:
- Environmental sustainability
- Resource efficiency
- Bio-based production systems
- Climate-related innovation
Quantum Technologies
The Quantum Technologies area supports research involving:
- Advanced quantum systems
- Quantum computing
- Quantum communication
- Quantum sensing technologies
- Secure information systems
The programme aims to strengthen technological competitiveness and advanced digital innovation capacity.
Space Technologies
The Space Technologies area focuses on:
- Space-enabled applications
- Climate monitoring systems
- Secure communication technologies
- Satellite-based innovation
- AI-integrated data systems
- Space data and analytics
Projects may support applications related to environmental monitoring, digital infrastructure, and advanced technological systems.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants must include:
- Danish research institutions acting as the main applicant
- International research partners from:
The Danish institution is responsible for:
- Project coordination
- Financial administration
- Overall project management
- Reporting and compliance
International partners must:
- Participate actively in research activities
- Contribute scientific expertise
- Support collaboration and implementation objectives
Projects must function as genuine collaborative partnerships rather than subcontracting arrangements.
Funding Details
Funding is provided by Innovation Fund Denmark.
Funding Amount
Projects may receive:
- Between 2 million and 8 million DKK
Total Project Budget
Projects are expected to contribute toward:
- A total project budget of at least 49 MDKK
Funding Coverage
The funding rate may cover:
- Up to 90 percent of eligible project costs
Project Duration
Typical project duration:
- Between two and four years
The programme supports medium- to long-term collaborative research initiatives.
Eligible Project Costs
Eligible expenses may include:
- Salaries and personnel costs
- Research equipment
- Materials and consumables
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation
- Workshops and conferences
- External professional services
All costs must be:
- Directly linked to project implementation
- Necessary for achieving project objectives
Networking Activities
Up to:
- 10 percent of the project budget
may be allocated to:
- Networking activities
- Collaboration-building initiatives
- Knowledge-sharing events
These activities are intended to strengthen international partnerships and scientific exchange.
Project Requirements
Projects must:
- Align with at least one thematic priority
- Demonstrate collaborative international research
- Include clear innovation objectives
- Support knowledge sharing and long-term cooperation
- Present feasible implementation plans
Strong proposals typically include:
- Complementary institutional expertise
- Clear research methodology
- Innovation and commercialization potential
- Well-defined work packages
- Strong coordination mechanisms
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are assessed by a specialized committee under Innovation Fund Denmark.
Projects are evaluated based on three main criteria:
- Quality of the idea
- Expected impact
- Quality of execution
Quality of the Idea
Reviewers assess:
- Scientific excellence
- Originality and innovation
- Strategic relevance
- Research quality
Expected Impact
Evaluation includes:
- Long-term value creation
- Innovation potential
- Societal and economic relevance
- International collaboration benefits
Quality of Execution
Assessment focuses on:
- Feasibility of implementation
- Partnership quality
- Complementarity of expertise
- Project management capacity
- Realistic timelines and budgeting
The selection process is highly competitive and merit-based.
Application and Selection Process
Applicants must:
- Prepare a collaborative project proposal
- Define thematic alignment
- Present implementation and budgeting plans
- Demonstrate international cooperation structures
- Submit all required documentation through the e-grant system
Successful applicants are selected through a competitive evaluation process.
Results Timeline
Funding decisions are expected:
- In mid-December 2026
Applicants will receive results through:
- The e-grant system
Why This Programme Matters
International scientific collaboration is increasingly important for:
- Technological advancement
- Innovation competitiveness
- Research excellence
- Global knowledge exchange
The programme helps:
- Strengthen Denmark’s global research partnerships
- Accelerate innovation in strategic sectors
- Support emerging technologies
- Build long-term institutional cooperation
The initiative also encourages collaboration between researchers working across different scientific and technological ecosystems.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Build strong international partnerships early
- Clearly define research objectives
- Demonstrate scientific and technological innovation
- Present realistic implementation plans
- Highlight long-term collaboration potential
- Explain expected societal and economic impact
- Include clear project governance structures
- Align strongly with thematic priorities
Competitive proposals often combine:
- High scientific quality
- Strong innovation pathways
- Interdisciplinary expertise
- Clear international collaboration benefits
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Weak partnership structures
- Unclear thematic alignment
- Overly ambitious work plans
- Poorly justified budgets
- Limited innovation relevance
- Insufficient knowledge-sharing strategies
- Lack of implementation feasibility
Applications with strong coordination and clearly defined research impact are generally more competitive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Global Research Collaborations programme?
It is an international research funding programme supporting collaborations between Danish research institutions and partners in Canada, Japan, or the Republic of Korea.
Which thematic areas are supported?
The programme supports:
- Biosolutions
- Quantum Technologies
- Space Technologies
Who can apply?
The main applicant must be:
- A Danish research institution
International partners may come from:
- Canada
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
How much funding is available?
Projects may receive:
- Between 2 million and 8 million DKK
What project costs are eligible?
Eligible costs include:
- Salaries
- Equipment
- Materials
- Travel
- Workshops
- Conferences
- External services
How long can projects last?
Projects typically run for:
- Two to four years
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are assessed based on:
- Quality of the idea
- Expected impact
- Quality of execution
Conclusion
The Global Research Collaborations programme provides major support for international research partnerships between Danish institutions and organizations in Canada, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. By funding collaborative projects in Biosolutions, Quantum Technologies, and Space Technologies, the programme strengthens scientific excellence, innovation capacity, and global knowledge exchange.
Research institutions with strong international partnerships, innovative research concepts, and clear implementation strategies are well-positioned to benefit from this opportunity and contribute to long-term scientific and technological advancement.
For more information, visit Innovation Fund Denmark.