Request for Applications: Carlsberg Foundation Grant Program (Denmark)

Deadline: 01-Mar-2026

The Carlsberg Foundation Grant Program funds communication projects that make basic research accessible to the public and strengthen science in society. Funding of DKK 50,000–200,000 is available for up to two years to support collaborations between researchers and professional communicators. Eligible projects focus on engaging non-scientific audiences in Denmark through flexible formats like podcasts, documentaries, social media, or lectures.

Overview

The Carlsberg Foundation supports projects that promote collaboration between researchers and professional communicators. The grant aims to make basic research more understandable, foster public curiosity, and enhance trust in reliable scientific sources, helping to counter disinformation.

Objectives of the Grant

The program is designed to:

• Strengthen the role of science in public debate

• Enhance researchers’ communication skills

• Encourage collaborations with professional communicators

• Engage non-scientific audiences in Denmark

• Promote fact-based, accessible dissemination of basic research

Project Focus Areas

Projects must:

• Be based on the applicant’s own research or research area

• Include collaboration with professional communicators experienced in journalism, media production, or related fields

• Focus on basic research, not applied or clinical studies

• Be accessible to the public free of charge at the time of release

Permitted Communication Formats

• TV productions and documentaries

• Podcasts and social media productions

• Science journalism initiatives

• Festivals, lectures, debates, and animations

• Publications aimed at broad audiences

Non-Eligible Activities

The grant does not fund:

• Applied or clinical research

• Educational recruitment or teaching materials

• Media training for researchers

• Commercial activities or digitalisation projects

• Research publications, participation in conferences, workshops, or courses

• Citizen science projects

• Buy-out or researcher remuneration

Funding Details

• Project duration: Up to 2 years

• Funding range: DKK 50,000–200,000

• Co-financing: Permitted

• Eligible costs include:

  • Production of communication content

  • Payments for professional communicators and student assistants

  • Development of communication platforms

  • Dissemination and free distribution costs

Eligibility

• Researchers must hold a PhD

• Must have an active affiliation with a Danish research institution

• Projects must target non-scientific audiences in Denmark

• Content can be in Danish or other languages as long as it remains understandable for Danish audiences

How to Apply

1. Submit via CF-Grant

   • Follow formal requirements and templates

   • Include project description, production and distribution plan, budget, and CVs

2. Popularised scientific description

   • Maximum of 400 characters

3. Project preparation

   • Ensure clarity on target audience, format, and accessibility

4. Review

   • Only complete applications with all required documents are accepted

   • Missing elements or incorrect grant type selection result in administrative rejection

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly define your target audience and communication strategy

• Collaborate with professional communicators to enhance project quality

• Ensure the research topic is basic and original

• Choose a format suitable for broad public engagement

• Plan for free accessibility via libraries, eReolen, or online platforms

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for the grant?

Researchers holding a PhD affiliated with a Danish research institution.

2. What types of research are eligible?

Only basic research projects; applied or clinical research is ineligible.

3. Can the grant fund researcher salaries?

No, remuneration or buy-out for researchers is not covered.

4. How much funding is available?

Between DKK 50,000 and 200,000, for projects up to two years.

5. Are projects in languages other than Danish eligible?

Yes, as long as the content is easily understood by the Danish public.

6. What communication formats are allowed?

TV, documentaries, podcasts, social media, publications, festivals, lectures, debates, and animations.

7. What happens if required documents are missing?

Applications with missing elements or incorrect grant type selection are administratively rejected.

Conclusion

The Carlsberg Foundation Science Communication Grant empowers researchers to engage the public with accessible, high-quality science content. By fostering collaboration with professional communicators and emphasizing public understanding, the program strengthens the societal impact of basic research and builds trust in scientific knowledge.

For more information, visit Carlsberg Foundation.