Deadline: 03-Jun-2026
The Independent Research Fund Denmark supports collaborative research projects led by an applicant and a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) on well-defined scientific questions. Funding up to DKK 8,000,000 is available for projects that demonstrate strong synergy, balanced roles, international standards, and inclusion of PhD or postdoctoral researchers. Projects must be carefully structured with clear responsibilities and integration of all participants.
Overview
The Independent Research Fund Denmark (IRFD) invites applications for collaborative research projects designed to address well-defined scientific questions through a partnership between an applicant and a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI). The program emphasizes synergistic collaboration, international standards, and balanced roles among project participants.
Objectives
The IRFD seeks to fund projects that:
- Promote coordinated and mutually binding collaboration between an applicant and a Co-PI.
- Ensure strong synergy between sub-projects.
- Maintain balanced roles and responsibilities for all participants.
- Adhere to high international research standards.
- Foster relevant international collaboration.
- Align with the international state of the art, while justifying local context or limited internationalisation if necessary.
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: DKK 8,000,000 (excluding overhead).
- Minimum funding: No fixed lower limit; budget must align with project scope, timeline, and objectives.
- Funding covers research activities, technical staff, administrative support, and PhD/postdoctoral positions.
Eligibility
- Applicant and Co-PI must have obtained a PhD or equivalent qualification (e.g., positive assistant professorship evaluation) by the application deadline.
- Project team must include multiple researchers, including scientific, technical, and administrative staff.
- Balanced participation is required; roles and responsibilities must be clearly described.
- At least one PhD student or postdoctoral researcher must be included and fully integrated into the project with independent research functions.
Project Structure Requirements
- The applicant holds the main responsibility toward the fund in case of grant approval.
- Co-PI must participate in a relevant and binding collaboration.
- Roles of all participants must be:
- Clearly defined
- Justified in terms of contribution to project execution
- Balanced across scientific, technical, and administrative functions
- Projects must demonstrate capacity building through integration of PhD/postdoctoral researchers.
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility: Ensure applicant and Co-PI hold PhDs or equivalent qualifications.
- Define research question: Prepare a well-defined scientific objective.
- Develop project plan: Include timeline, work plan, and distribution of roles.
- Include team members: Ensure at least one PhD student or postdoc with independent research tasks.
- Prepare budget: Align funding request with project objectives and timeline (up to DKK 8,000,000).
- Submit application through the official IRFD portal.
- Await evaluation: Projects are assessed for synergy, balance, scientific quality, and international relevance.
Tips for Successful Applications
- Highlight synergy and mutual collaboration between applicant and Co-PI.
- Clearly describe roles and contributions for all team members.
- Integrate PhD and postdoctoral researchers with defined research tasks.
- Align project goals with international standards and state-of-the-art research.
- Justify local context if the project has limited international scope.
FAQs
1. Who can be the applicant and Co-PI?
Both must have a PhD or equivalent qualification by the application deadline.
2. How much funding is available?
Up to DKK 8,000,000, with no fixed lower limit.
3. Is including PhD or postdoctoral researchers mandatory?
Yes, at least one PhD student or postdoc must be integrated into the project.
4. Can the project involve international collaboration?
Yes, relevant international collaboration is encouraged and evaluated.
5. How should roles be defined?
All participants must have clearly described, justified, and balanced roles contributing to project execution.
6. What is the main responsibility of the applicant?
The applicant holds primary responsibility toward the fund for project execution and compliance.
7. Can the project focus on local research context?
Yes, but the project must align with international standards and justify any local focus or limited internationalisation.
Conclusion
The Independent Research Fund Denmark supports collaborative, high-quality scientific research through structured partnerships between applicants and Co-PIs. By emphasizing synergy, balanced roles, international standards, and the integration of PhD/postdoctoral researchers, the program strengthens research capacity, fosters innovation, and promotes globally competitive scientific projects.
For more information, visit Independent Research Fund Denmark.