Deadline: 01-Mar-2026

The Carlsberg Foundation is offering major Science Communication Grants to support high-quality communication of basic research to non-scientific audiences. Projects can receive DKK 200,000–3,000,000 for up to three years and must involve collaboration with qualified researchers. The goal is to strengthen public understanding of science, promote fact-based debate and counter disinformation.

What This Funding Opportunity Supports

The Carlsberg Foundation provides large grants for professional science communication projects that help the public understand basic research in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. The programme aims to make complex scientific knowledge accessible, relevant and reliable for non-academic audiences.

Core Objectives of the Programme

• Communicate basic research to non-scientific audiences

• Link science communication to socially relevant issues

• Strengthen public debate with fact-based, research-driven insights

• Build collaborations between researchers and professional communicators

• Increase public interest in science, research themes and discoveries

• Promote trust in reliable scientific sources

• Counter misinformation through accessible, evidence-based communication

Key Concepts Explained

What Is “Basic Research”?

Basic research refers to curiosity-driven experimental or theoretical work that expands foundational scientific understanding. It focuses on generating new knowledge about fundamental principles, mechanisms, or phenomena.

Why Science Communication?

Effective science communication helps society make informed decisions, increases scientific literacy, and ensures that publicly funded research benefits the wider community. It also enhances transparency, combats misinformation and strengthens democratic dialogue.

Grant Details

Funding Amounts

• Minimum: DKK 200,000

• Maximum: DKK 3,000,000

• Project Duration: Up to 3 years

• Co-financing from other sources is allowed.

• Projects may be standalone or part of a larger initiative.

Eligible Project Costs

• Salaries for communication professionals

• Production costs (video, audio, digital content, publications)

• Researcher remuneration

• Development of communication platforms

• Dissemination and public-access costs

• Auditing and financial reporting costs

Collaboration Requirements

Every project must involve researchers with at least a PhD degree who:

• Directly contribute to communication, or

• Quality-assure the final product before launch
  Researchers may be affiliated with Danish or international research institutions.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible Applicants

• Independent professional communicators

• Public institutions

• Private companies (for non-commercial, non-profit projects)

• Non-profit organizations

• Applicants must be based in Denmark, Greenland, or the Faroe Islands

Applicant Competency Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have communication as their main occupation

• Show documented professional experience in journalism, media production or comparable communication fields

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

1. Define Your Project
   Outline the communication concept, target audience, and scientific value.

2. Secure Research Collaboration
   Engage qualified researchers with PhDs who will contribute or quality-assure your work.

3. Plan Your Budget
   Ensure the budget fits within DKK 200,000–3,000,000 and complies with eligible costs.

4. Prepare Documentation
   Include CVs, portfolios, project plans, methodology, researcher confirmations and timelines.

5. Submit via the Carlsberg Foundation’s Application Portal
   Follow the required formats and deadlines (check official website).

6. Await Evaluation
   Proposals are assessed on relevance, scientific quality, communication potential and societal impact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing content that does not communicate basic research

• Lack of a qualified researcher partnership

• Submitting commercial or profit-driven projects

• Insufficient documentation of communication expertise

• Overly broad audiences without a clear strategy

• Weak link between research content and societal relevance

Tips for a Strong Application

• Demonstrate a clear communication strategy and measurable impact

• Highlight the novelty and importance of the scientific topic

• Show how the project contributes to public debate or counters misinformation

• Include examples of previous communication work

• Provide a realistic timeline and cost structure

• Ensure free or accessible dissemination wherever possible

FAQ

1. Can private companies apply?

Yes, but only for non-commercial, non-profit communication projects.

2. Do all projects need a researcher partner?

Yes. A researcher with a PhD must participate or quality-assure the communication.

3. Are projects outside Denmark allowed?

Projects may involve foreign research institutions, but applicants must be based in Denmark, Greenland or the Faroe Islands.

4. Does the project need to cover all scientific fields?

No. It may focus on any natural science, social science or humanities topic as long as it communicates basic research.

5. Can the grant cover platform development?

Yes. Platform development, production and dissemination are all eligible costs.

6. Can the project be co-financed?

Yes. Co-financing from other sources is permitted.

7. Is experience in communication mandatory?

Yes. Applicants must demonstrate professional experience in journalism, media, or related communication work.

Conclusion

The Carlsberg Foundation Science Communication Grants offer robust financial and institutional support for professional communicators aiming to bring basic research to the public. By enabling long-term, high-quality communication initiatives, the programme strengthens scientific literacy, enhances public debate and builds trust in reliable research. For communicators committed to impactful, evidence-based storytelling, this is a significant opportunity to shape public understanding of science.

For more information, visit Carlsberg Foundation.