The DNRF launches new strategic priorities for 2026–2030
The DNRF has just published new strategic priorities to ensure that the foundation continues to fulfil its mandate: to strengthen excellent, curiosity‑driven basic research in Denmark. This comes at a time when the research system is undergoing continuous development.
The strategic priorities are based both on extensive discussions with key stakeholders in the Danish research landscape and on the conclusions and recommendations resulting from the external evaluation of the foundation conducted in 2025. The evaluation confirmed that DNRF‑funded activities deliver scientific impact at the highest international level, support talent development, and contribute considerably to Danish society.
Our task is to provide long term and flexible funding for the best and strongest research ideas with the potential for scientific breakthroughs. The strategic priorities for the coming years are intended to ensure that the Danish National Research Foundation continues to carry out that task in a timely, transparent, and responsible manner The specific initiatives are based on a thorough evaluation and close dialogue with Danish research communities and other stakeholders in the sector, and we are grateful for the constructive input we have received throughout the process.
Chair, Dorthe Dahl Jensen
In the new strategic priorities, the foundation maintains scientific excellence as the core principle guiding its work, and Centers of Excellence are continued as the foundation’s primary funding instrument and as the framework for long‑term and flexible funding of research environments with strong potential for scientific breakthroughs. Through a number of concrete initiatives, the foundation will work to ensure a more generous funding framework and greater flexibility in grants, and will seek to strengthen coordination and bridges within the Danish research funding landscape.
The strategic priorities also include initiatives aimed at further strengthening research teams and talent development, including the potential launch of a new funding instrument targeted at ‘Rising Stars’. Finally, the foundation will prioritize responsible assessment through a series of concrete initiatives.