Deadline: 2-Jun-26
The Independent Research Fund Denmark offers the Green Research Grant Program to support interdisciplinary research collaborations across major scientific fields. Grants of up to DKK 5,000,000 are available for projects lasting up to five years.
The programme promotes cross-disciplinary innovation, international collaboration, and career development for early-career researchers.
The Green Research Grant Program supports collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects that address complex scientific challenges.
Projects must:
- Combine expertise from different scientific disciplines
- Be led by a Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)
- Align with international research excellence standards
The aim is to foster innovation through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Key Programme Details
H3: Funding and Duration
- Maximum Grant: DKK 5,000,000 (excluding overhead)
- Project Duration: Up to 5 years
Core Structure
- Joint leadership by PI and Co-PI
- Mandatory interdisciplinary collaboration
- Inclusion of early-career researchers
Research Focus and Scope
The programme emphasizes interdisciplinarity across the three main scientific domains defined by the European Research Council:
- Life Sciences
- Physical Sciences and Engineering
- Social Sciences and Humanities
Key Concept: Interdisciplinary Research
Interdisciplinary research means:
- Integrating knowledge from different fields
- Solving complex problems that cannot be addressed by one discipline alone
- Creating innovative, holistic solutions
Project Requirements
Leadership Structure
- One Principal Investigator (PI)
- One Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI)
- Both must:
- Hold a PhD or equivalent
- Represent different scientific disciplines
- Establish a formal collaboration
Team Composition
Projects must include:
- Multiple researchers
- Balanced roles and responsibilities
- At least:
- One PhD student OR
- One postdoctoral researcher
Postdoctoral Requirements
- PhD obtained within the last 4 years (adjusted for eligible leave)
- Clearly defined independent role
Supervision Requirements
- If PI is below associate professor level:
- Must explain supervision arrangements
- Ensure academic integration of trainees
Recruitment Requirements
- Describe recruitment process for unnamed candidates
- Provide supervisor declaration for near-completion PhD candidates
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD or equivalent qualification
- Demonstrate strong research track record
- Form a collaboration with a Co-PI from another discipline
Team Eligibility
- Inclusion of early-career researchers is mandatory
- Roles must be clearly defined and justified
Why This Programme Matters
Driving Scientific Innovation
- Encourages cross-disciplinary problem-solving
- Enables breakthroughs across fields
Supporting Research Careers
- Provides opportunities for PhD students and postdocs
- Strengthens the next generation of researchers
Enhancing Global Collaboration
- Promotes international partnerships
- Aligns with global research standards
What the Grant Supports
Funding can be used for:
- Research project implementation
- Salaries for research staff
- PhD and postdoctoral positions
- International collaboration and mobility
- Research materials and operational costs
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Define Research Idea
- Identify a complex problem requiring interdisciplinary solutions
- Ensure alignment with ERC domains
Step 2: Form Research Partnership
- Select a Co-PI from a different discipline
- Define roles and responsibilities
Step 3: Build Research Team
- Include PhD or postdoctoral researchers
- Ensure balanced team structure
Step 4: Develop Proposal
Include:
- Objectives and methodology
- Interdisciplinary approach
- Work plan and timeline
- Expected outcomes
Step 5: Prepare Budget
- Align budget with project activities
- Ensure consistency with timeline
Step 6: Submit Application
- Apply via the Independent Research Fund Denmark system
- Ensure all required documentation is included
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Scientific quality and originality
- Interdisciplinary integration
- Research team strength
- Feasibility and planning
- International relevance
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak interdisciplinary integration
- Poorly defined collaboration between PI and Co-PI
- Missing required team members
- Unrealistic project scope
- Lack of clarity in roles and responsibilities
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly demonstrate interdisciplinarity
- Build a complementary research team
- Provide a realistic and structured plan
- Highlight innovation and impact
- Align with international research standards
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the Green Research Grant Program?
Researchers with a PhD working in collaboration with a Co-PI from another discipline.
2. What is the funding amount?
Up to DKK 5,000,000 excluding overhead.
3. How long can projects last?
Up to five years.
4. Is interdisciplinary collaboration mandatory?
Yes, projects must involve multiple scientific disciplines.
5. Are early-career researchers required?
Yes, at least one PhD student or postdoc must be included.
6. What are the main evaluation criteria?
Scientific quality, interdisciplinarity, feasibility, and team strength.
7. What fields are covered?
Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering, and Social Sciences and Humanities.
Conclusion
The Green Research Grant Program provides a powerful platform for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.
By supporting cross-disciplinary teams, early-career researchers, and high-impact research projects, the programme helps address complex global challenges and advance scientific knowledge.
For more information, visit Independent Research Fund Denmark.
