New measures to improve support for research applications

As part of a new initiative approved by the heads of department, SUND Research Support, in collaboration with SUND Finance, is introducing fixed deadlines for submitting requests for support to selected foundations.

The aim is to ensure the best possible support by improving the ability to plan and allocate resources effectively.

What do you get by reaching out before the deadline?

If you contact us before the deadline, you’ll have access to a full support package, which may include:

• An initial meeting with a research support officer
• Feedback on your project description
• Review of your CV
• Assistance with preparing and approving your budget
• Input on online application forms
• A final quality check of the entire application before submission

Everything is, of course, tailored to your needs and the nature of your project.

Pilot scheme

We are starting with a pilot for applications to the Independent Research Fund Denmark (DFF). Over time, the scheme will be expanded to include other funders such as the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Lundbeck Foundation, Carlsberg Foundation, TrygFonden and EU programmes.

How are the deadlines set?

The deadlines are based on known application dates and developed in collaboration with SUND Research Support. You will be notified 3–6 months ahead of the application deadline. The deadlines themselves will typically fall 3–4 months before the funder deadline, giving you ample time to:

• Develop your research idea
• Set up project groups and networks
• Clarify co-financing and prepare budgets
• Collect CVs and letters of support from any partners

We will share this information via email, internal news channels and direct contact from the research support officer assigned to your department.

What should you do now?

If you plan to apply for funding under Research Project 1, the thematic programmes and/or the Inge Lehmann programme at DFF, you must no later than 9 January 2026 email the research support officer linked to your department.

What if you contact us after the deadline?

If capacity allows – and your head of department prioritises your application – we will do our best to help. However, we cannot guarantee access to the full support package.

More information

Below you’ll find a short description of the DFF programmes mentioned, with a deadline of 9 January 2026, along with links to the current or previous calls for proposals.

If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us at SUND Research Support.

DFF Research Project 1

A Research Project 1 is based on a clear and well-defined research question, with activities expected to be of high international quality. DFF supports specific and time-limited research activities based on researchers’ own ideas.

• Budget: up to DKK 2.5 million
• Project duration: typically 3 years (4 years if a PhD student is included)
• Applicant requirement: minimum 3 years of PhD seniority

DFF Thematic programmes

Based on the 2025 call – the new call is expected in spring 2026

The thematic programmes are politically determined focus areas.

• Budget: up to DKK 5 million (up to DKK 8 million for specialised social services)
• Project duration: up to 5 years
• Applicant requirement: must hold a PhD degree

In 2026, the following themes are expected:
Research on artificial intelligence, green research, Arctic research, strengthened clinical and independent research, fertility research, psychiatric research, research on ageing and elderly people, research on vulnerability and poor well-being, enhanced research in specialised services, research on learning and well-being in primary schools, antisemitism research, and research in the Danish Realm.

DFF Inge Lehmann

Based on the 2025 call – the new call is expected in spring 2026

The Inge Lehmann programme aims to improve gender balance in research environments by focusing on the career stages where inequality tends to arise.

The programme is intended to give talented early-career researchers the opportunity to develop their research ideas and skills as independent research leaders. Projects must be based on a clear and well-defined research question, and the research activities are expected to meet high international standards.

• Budget: up to DKK 2.5 million
• Project duration: typically 3 years (4 years if a PhD student is included)
• Applicant requirement: PhD seniority of at least 2 years and no more than 6 years, and must meet specific employment criteria