Deadline: 18-Jun-2026
The Lundbeck Foundation Fellows Program provides up to DKK 12 million over five years to support early to mid-career researchers in establishing independent neuroscience research careers. It funds the creation of research groups, high-quality brain science projects, and long-term scientific innovation. The program prioritises excellence, originality, and the development of internationally competitive research environments in Denmark.
Lundbeck Foundation Fellows Program – Structured Guide
The Lundbeck Foundation Fellows Program is a prestigious funding initiative designed to support researchers transitioning to independence in the field of neuroscience.
It enables fellows to establish their own research groups, conduct innovative brain research, and contribute to advancements in understanding brain function and disorders.
Purpose and Core Objectives
The programme focuses on developing future leaders in neuroscience.
Core Objectives
- Support independent neuroscience research careers
- Enable establishment of new research groups
- Advance knowledge of brain function and disorders
- Promote high-quality biomedical research
- Foster long-term scientific innovation
- Build internationally competitive research environments
Funding Overview
Grant Value
- Up to DKK 12,000,000 per fellowship
Total Call Budget
- Up to DKK 84,000,000
Duration
- Up to 5 years
Funding Coverage
- Fellow’s salary
- Research staff salaries
- Research and operational costs
- Project-related expenses
Additional Financial Support
- Up to 10% for indirect costs (for certain institutions)
- PhD tuition fees (subject to fixed caps)
- Relocation support: DKK 100,000 (for eligible international applicants)
Eligible Research Areas
The programme focuses on neuroscience and related fields.
Supported Fields
- Neuroscience and brain science
- Biomedical research
- Brain function and disorders
- Experimental and clinical neuroscience
- Interdisciplinary research linked to brain health
Eligibility Criteria
Target Applicants
- Early to mid-career researchers
- Researchers ready to establish independent careers
- Candidates capable of leading research groups
Key Requirements
- Strong academic and research track record
- High-quality and original research proposal
- Commitment to establishing research at a Danish host institution
- Demonstrated leadership and potential for independence
Relocation Eligibility
- International applicants may receive relocation support
- Must meet residence-related eligibility conditions
What the Fellowship Supports
Research Development
- Independent research projects
- Long-term scientific exploration
- Innovative and high-impact studies
Team Building
- Recruitment of research staff
- Inclusion of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers
- Development of collaborative research environments
Infrastructure Access
- Use of institutional facilities
- Access to advanced research tools and resources
Why the Programme Matters
The fellowship plays a key role in advancing neuroscience research.
Key Importance
- Supports emerging research leaders
- Encourages independent scientific thinking
- Advances global understanding of brain health
- Strengthens research capacity in Denmark
- Promotes innovation in biomedical science
Long-Term Impact
- Breakthrough discoveries in neuroscience
- Development of new treatments for brain disorders
- Strong international research collaborations
- Sustainable research environments and institutions
How the Programme Works
Application Process Flow
- Identify research focus within neuroscience
- Secure host institution in Denmark
- Develop high-quality research proposal
- Prepare detailed budget and team structure
- Submit application to Lundbeck Foundation
- Evaluation based on excellence, originality, and feasibility
- Selection of fellows
- Project implementation over five years
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak or unclear research proposal
- Lack of originality or innovation
- Insufficient demonstration of independence
- Poorly planned budget or team structure
- Weak alignment with neuroscience focus
- Limited feasibility or unrealistic timelines
Best Practices for Applicants
- Develop a strong, innovative research concept
- Demonstrate clear independence from previous supervisors
- Build a well-structured research team plan
- Align proposal with global neuroscience challenges
- Ensure feasibility and realistic timelines
- Highlight potential for high-impact outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Lundbeck Foundation Fellows Program?
It is a funding programme supporting early to mid-career researchers in neuroscience to establish independent research careers.
How much funding is available?
Up to DKK 12 million per fellow over five years.
Who can apply?
Researchers transitioning to independence with strong academic and research credentials.
What does the funding cover?
Salaries, research costs, operational expenses, and team development.
Is relocation support available?
Yes, up to DKK 100,000 for eligible international applicants.
Where must the research be conducted?
At a host institution in Denmark.
What is the main selection criterion?
Scientific excellence, originality, and feasibility of the proposed research.
Conclusion
The Lundbeck Foundation Fellows Program provides substantial long-term funding for researchers aiming to establish independent careers in neuroscience. By supporting innovative research, team development, and international competitiveness, the programme plays a crucial role in advancing brain science and fostering the next generation of scientific leaders.
For more information, visit Lundbeck Foundation.
