Deadline: 25-Jun-2026
The Start Package Grants are a Danish research funding scheme that supports universities and research institutions in recruiting top international researchers and establishing independent research groups. The program provides multi-year funding of up to DKK 10 million per researcher to strengthen global competitiveness in health, life sciences, sustainability, and advanced technologies, while promoting international academic mobility.
Overview
The Start Package Grants are a four-year funding program designed to strengthen Danish research institutions by supporting the recruitment of leading international researchers.
The scheme enhances global academic competitiveness and supports the creation of independent research groups at Danish universities, hospitals, and non-profit research institutions.
Strategic Focus Areas
The program supports research aligned with Denmark’s 2030 Strategy, particularly in:
Health and Medical Sciences
- Prevention and management of cardiometabolic diseases
- Reduction of infectious disease burden
- Advancing regenerative medicine
- Addressing health inequities
Life Sciences and Biotechnology
- Bioscience and microbiome research
- Systems biology
- Translational medical research
Sustainability and Climate
- Sustainable agriculture and food systems
- Climate change mitigation technologies
- Green transition innovations
Advanced Science and Technology
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Quantum technologies
- Materials science
- Robotics
- Mathematical modelling
- Data science and interdisciplinary research
Purpose of the Start Package Grants
The program is designed to:
- Attract top international research talent to Denmark
- Strengthen institutional research capacity
- Support establishment of independent research groups
- Enhance global competitiveness of Danish institutions
- Promote cross-border academic mobility
- Enable long-term scientific leadership development
Funding Structure
The grant is awarded directly to the host institution and used to support the recruited researcher’s group and research development.
Funding amounts:
- Assistant Professor (tenure-track): up to DKK 5 million
- Associate Professor: up to DKK 8 million
- Full Professor / Clinical Professor (research-mandatory roles): up to DKK 10 million
Total funding pool:
- Up to DKK 120 million available under the call
How the Funding Works
- Funding supports recruitment negotiations and research setup
- Institutions use funds to establish research infrastructure and teams
- Grants support independent research group formation within one year
- Funding is tied to the selected candidate’s career level and role
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Only the following institutions may apply:
- Danish universities
- Hospitals
- Non-profit research institutions
Application requirements:
- Application must be submitted by the hiring authority at the institution
- Candidate must be pre-selected before submission
- Candidate must be evaluated by a qualified appointment committee
- Committee must include external and international members
- Position must meet formal academic requirements (tenure-track or permanent research roles)
Candidate Eligibility Requirements
Selected researchers must meet strict mobility and career criteria:
- Must relocate to a new institution
- Must not have worked at the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the past 36 months
- Internal recruitment is not supported
- Must demonstrate career progression (if recruited within Denmark)
- Exceptions may apply for industry researchers transitioning into academia
- Must align with institutional and foundation strategic priorities
- Must establish an independent research group within one year
Key Restrictions
- No internal hiring of existing staff at the same institution
- Candidates must show genuine international or institutional mobility
- Funding cannot be used for general institutional costs unrelated to the recruited researcher
- Applications require strong academic evaluation and external review integrity
Why the Start Package Grants Matter
This program strengthens Denmark’s research ecosystem by:
- Attracting world-class scientific talent
- Increasing international research collaboration
- Building high-impact research groups
- Advancing innovation in health, sustainability, and technology
- Enhancing Denmark’s global academic competitiveness
- Supporting long-term scientific and technological leadership
How to Apply (Process Overview)
- Identify a top international research candidate
- Conduct formal evaluation via an appointment committee
- Ensure compliance with mobility and eligibility rules
- Align research proposal with strategic priority areas
- Prepare institutional application with budget and role definition
- Submit application through the recruiting institution
- Await assessment and funding decision
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Selecting candidates without sufficient international mobility
- Submitting applications without proper committee evaluation
- Failing to meet tenure-track or permanent role requirements
- Attempting internal recruitment within the same institution
- Weak alignment with strategic research priorities
- Not demonstrating plan for independent research group formation
Tips for a Strong Application
- Prioritize internationally recognized research talent
- Clearly define the candidate’s independent research vision
- Align research with Denmark’s 2030 strategic themes
- Ensure strong institutional support for group formation
- Include detailed recruitment and integration plans
- Demonstrate long-term research impact potential
FAQs: Start Package Grants
What is the Start Package Grant?
It is a Danish funding program that supports recruitment of top international researchers and establishment of independent research groups.
Who can apply for funding?
Danish universities, hospitals, and non-profit research institutions.
How much funding is available?
Up to DKK 10 million per researcher, depending on academic position level.
Can institutions hire internally for this grant?
No, internal recruitment is not supported. Candidates must demonstrate mobility.
What is the main requirement for candidates?
They must relocate to a new institution and have not recently worked at the recruiting institution.
What is the purpose of the funding?
To attract top global research talent and build independent research groups in Denmark.
When must the research group be established?
Within one year of receiving the grant.
Conclusion
The Start Package Grants are a strategic Danish initiative designed to attract elite international researchers and strengthen institutional research capacity. By supporting competitive recruitment, independent group formation, and high-impact research areas, the program enhances Denmark’s global leadership in science, health, sustainability, and advanced technology.
For more information, visit Novo Nordisk Foundation.
