The DNRF’s Objective

Who are we?

The Danish National Research Foundation (DNRF) is an independent foundation established by the Danish Parliament in 1991. Its independence is secured through capital endowments, and its annual grant-making budget is approximately DKK 470 million. The foundation’s grants account for nearly 2% of Denmark’s total public research funding.

Our Results

Previous evaluations have shown that the research environments established by the foundation’s grantees deliver:

• Research impact on par with the world’s leading institutions. Notably, former Center Director Morten Meldal was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2022.
• Pre-competitive capacity building. The foundation’s investments have significantly contributed to establishing Denmark’s strengths in areas such as quantum science, green energy, life sciences, economics, and cultural heritage.
• Significant output of innovation and expert advisory services.

The foundation is currently undergoing a comprehensive evaluation, which is expected to be published in November 2025.

Read our reports and analyses on impact
Read our evaluations

The Danish National Research Foundation operates through three key instruments:

• Centers of Excellence:
  The foundation’s flagship and primary funding instrument. A Center of Excellence grant can cover all types of research-related costs and has a funding period of up to 10 years. The DNRF expects centers to deliver groundbreaking results.
  Read more about the Centers of Excellence 
• DNRF Chair:
  Launched in 2020 to support Danish universities in attracting and recruiting outstanding researchers from abroad, including Danish researchers wishing to return from international positions. The program aimed at facilitating the launch of new research activities. The instrument has been phased out, as similar opportunities are now available through other funding bodies.
  Read more about DNRF Chairs
• Pioneer Centers:
  A strategic basic research initiative was launched in 2019. The centers conduct research within the fields of energy/climate and artificial intelligence (AI). They are expected to deliver both cutting-edge basic research and tangible societal impact. The initiative is co-funded by the DNRF, the Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science, and four private Danish foundations.
  Read more about the Pioneer Centers

How do we decide whom to fund?

Funding decisions are based on three core values:

• Excellence – We strive for excellence in all aspects of research.
• Transparency – We are committed to transparency in assessment and selection processes.
• Risk willingness – We recognize that groundbreaking research requires a willingness to take risks.

How do we support our grantees?

Our support for grantees is based on three core values:

• Freedom – We strive to provide our grantees with freedom and flexibility.
• Trust – We meet our grantees with trust.
• Engagement – We actively engage with and learn from each grantee.