Deadline: 02-Jun-2026
The Independent Research Fund Denmark is inviting applications for advanced artificial intelligence research projects. Grants of up to DKK 5,000,000 (excluding overhead) are available for projects lasting up to five years, designed to foster scientific innovation, international collaboration, and capacity building in AI through multidisciplinary teams including PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
About the Programme
This funding initiative targets cutting-edge AI research that strengthens Denmark’s scientific innovation ecosystem and attracts top research talent. The programme supports AI systems that:
- Analyse data, identify patterns, and determine optimal solutions
- Focus on control, prediction, and guidance applications
- Develop adaptive technologies that improve performance through interaction with their environment
Projects must demonstrate scientific excellence, international relevance, and the capacity to advance global knowledge in AI.
Funding Information
- Maximum grant: DKK 5,000,000 (excluding overhead)
- Project duration: Up to 5 years
- Supports comprehensive project designs aligned with objectives and timelines
The funding allows flexibility to structure research activities, coordinate multiple sub-projects, and include diverse contributions from academic, technical, and administrative staff.
Project Structure and Requirements
- The project must be led by a Principal Investigator (PI) and a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI), both holding PhDs or equivalent qualifications
- Roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined and binding
- Projects should involve multiple researchers and ensure strong coordination and synergy across sub-projects
- International collaboration is strongly encouraged; limited internationalisation must be justified
- Alignment with the global state of the art in AI is required
Capacity Building Requirements
- At least one PhD student or postdoctoral researcher must be embedded in the project
- The embedded researcher should have a clearly defined and independent role
- Postdoctoral researchers must have obtained a PhD within the last four years (accounting for eligible leave)
Supervision and Recruitment
- Applicants without an associate professorship or equivalent must outline clear supervision arrangements for PhD or postdoctoral researchers
- Recruitment processes must be detailed
- If a named postdoctoral candidate is still completing their PhD, a supervisor’s declaration confirming submission within six months of the application deadline is required
- Projects must ensure the academic integration of students and researchers into the research team
Eligibility
Eligible projects include those that:
- Focus on advanced AI systems for control, prediction, guidance, or adaptive technologies
- Include multidisciplinary teams with academic, technical, and administrative expertise
- Incorporate at least one PhD student or postdoctoral researcher
- Maintain high international standards and collaborations where possible
Why This Opportunity Matters
This grant programme is critical for:
- Supporting high-impact AI research in Denmark
- Building research capacity and expertise among PhD and postdoctoral researchers
- Promoting international collaboration and scientific excellence
- Advancing AI solutions that align with global innovation trends
Quick Tips for Applicants
- Clearly define roles and responsibilities for all team members
- Include PhD students or postdoctoral researchers with independent responsibilities
- Demonstrate coordination and synergy across sub-projects
- Show alignment with international research standards and state-of-the-art AI
- Ensure detailed supervision and recruitment plans if PI lacks associate professorship
FAQs
1. Who can lead the project?
Projects must be led by a PI and Co-PI, both holding PhDs or equivalent qualifications.
2. How much funding is available?
Grants up to DKK 5,000,000 (excluding overhead) for projects lasting up to 5 years.
3. Are PhD students or postdocs required?
Yes. At least one PhD student or postdoctoral researcher must be part of the project with a clearly defined role.
4. What if the Co-PI is still completing their PhD?
A supervisor’s declaration confirming submission within six months of the application deadline is required.
5. Is international collaboration mandatory?
It is strongly encouraged, but projects with limited internationalisation must justify the scope.
6. Can PIs without associate professorships apply?
Yes, but they must provide detailed supervision arrangements and ensure integration of research students.
7. What types of AI research are eligible?
Projects focusing on control, prediction, guidance, or adaptive AI technologies that advance scientific knowledge and innovation.
Conclusion
The Independent Research Fund Denmark AI Research Grants provide substantial support for ambitious projects that push the boundaries of artificial intelligence research. With funding up to DKK 5,000,000, projects can run for up to five years, embed PhD and postdoctoral researchers, and engage in international collaboration, fostering scientific innovation and talent development in Denmark’s AI research ecosystem.
For more information, visit Independent Research Fund Denmark.