About
SDU's strategy for external funding
Are you new to SDU's funding strategy? Learn more about the goals and ambitions of the strategy here.
The landscape for research funding is changing rapidly and extensively. There is a significant increase in funding from private foundations and the EU and, at the same time, an increased quotient of public grants that target specific societal challenges and missions. SDU is committed to addressing and leveraging these changes to support our researchers and strengthen our research environments.
A strong strategic direction
In 2022, SDU launched a comprehensive strategy for external research funding. With approval from the University Board, the strategy sets a clear common direction to enhance SDU’s academic environment's ability to secure more external research funding and to conduct high-quality research.
The primary objective of the strategy is to enhance research and stimulate career development for SDU researchers, thereby promoting SDU's overarching goal of creating value for and with society.
With the strategy, SDU initially aimed to increase the burn rate of external research funding by at least 30% by 2030. This meant an increase from DKK 822 million in 2020 to a minimum of DKK 1.168 million in 2030. In 2024, the burn rate of external research funding increased to DKK 1.180 million – an increase of 43%. As a result, the ambition has now been raised, aiming to reach 75% by 2030.
The aim of the strategy
In 2024, SDU has surpassed its initial goal of a 30% increase in the burn rate of external funding by 2030. Now the aim is 75% by 2030.
Four key focus areas
Based on input from the faculties and discussions in the collegiate bodies, the strategy is built on four focus areas. These are crucial for seizing future research funding opportunities in the best possible way and ensuring successful implementation of the strategy.
The four focus areas are aimed at researchers, research environments, management and administrative functions.
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Recruitment and talent development
It is imperative that SDU can attract, develop and retain excellent researchers and research talent. This focus area includes identifying and developing SDU’s positions of strength, the systematisation of talent scouting and the development of talent tracks and packages tailored to elite researchers and promising talents.
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Prioritisation and management
SDU’s leaders at all levels must take responsibility and make strategic prioritisations. This focus area involves stronger collaborations with relevant private foundations, consolidated coordination and knowledge sharing across SDU and the prioritisation of time, finances, and infrastructure.
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Organisation and administrative support
It is crucial that SDU’s researchers have the most optimal framework for the application process. This focus area includes an overhaul of application procedures, support for application writing retreats and the development of targeted academic discussion and collaboration on the quality of applications.
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Networking – internally and externally
Strong relationships are key to obtaining funding. This focus area involves strengthening relationships and networks, expanding representation in councils, committees and collaborative forums, prioritising interdisciplinary work and developing elite research centers.
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Initiatives to support researchers
To bring the strategy to life, SDU has launched a series of strategic initiatives. These are designed to make it easier and more attractive for researchers at SDU to apply for external funding - ultimately increasing the university's overall procurement of funding.
The initiatives are deeply rooted in the everyday life of researchers. They have been developed with close involvement from experts with specialist knowledge and tailored to reflect the different profiles and research traditions of each faculty.
Further development of SDU as a strong research institution
The strategy for external research funding is one of several elements in the further development of SDU as a strong and relevant research institution.
It is to be seen in the context of SDU’s overall strategy until 2030, SDU’s core values, cross-cutting policies and decentralised research strategies. Increasing external research funding can become a key means of furthering SDU’s overall strategic objective: to create value for and with society and shape the future through high quality, talented people and outstanding environments.
Funding initiatives
Explore the funding strategy initiatives and see how they benefit you as a researcher or research leader.