Research advisory service

Independent Research Fund Denmark provides professional research advice in various matters to both the Danish Parliament, the Minister of Higher Education and Science as well as other ministries, agencies, public research funds, and various organizations within the research field.

Independent Research Fund Denmark provides research advisory services in relation to:

• Responses to public consultations on relevant legislative amendments and research-related issues
• Nominations and appointments to boards, councils, committees, and advisory bodies
• International matters

A request for research advisory services should be directed to the board of Independent Research Fund Denmark’s, which coordinates the case with the relevant scientific research councils.

Please send your request to: DFF_Raadgivning@ufm.dk. 

The board of Independent Research Fund Denmark holds decision-making authority in research advisory matters, which are addressed at the next board and/or council meeting. Processing times may vary depending on the scope of the task. Therefore, Independent Research Fund Denmark recommends that requests for research advisory services are submitted at least two months before deadline.

What do we need to process your case?

Independent Research Fund Denmark aims to provide the best possible research advisory services. Therefore, the fund needs the information listed below:

• Background information on the available positions, including whether there is an opportunity or desire for reappointment, as well as the type of profile sought
• Whether the matter concerns a nomination or appointment and who will make the final appointment
• A timeline for the process
• The appointment period and expected workload, tasks, meeting frequency, etc.
• An overview of the current composition of the relevant committee, council, board, etc.
• Terms of reference, statutes, or legal framework for the body
• Information on the most recent appointments by Independent Research Fund Denmark 
• A secure email inbox that complies with current GDPR legislation, to which response letters can be sent
• Any potential compensation/honorarium
• Any additional information relevant to the assessment by Independent Research Fund Denmark 

Advisory process

An advisory matter is discussed at a meeting of a relevant research council or board. After the meeting, the board decides on the next steps based on advice from the relevant scientific research councils, including any potential nominations and/or appointments of candidates.

The secretariat will send a response letter via the secure email inbox provided. Once a nomination matter is concluded, Independent Research Fund Denmark should be informed of the outcome by receiving a copy of the nomination/appointment letter.

Gender equality legislation in nomination matters

Independent Research Fund Denmark is subject to the provisions of the Equal Treatment Act regarding the rules for nominating members to public committees (§9) and for nominating members to boards, etc. (§12).

Nomination matters established by labour market organizations or the private sector are not subject to the provisions of the Equal Treatment Act. However, Independent Research Fund Denmark is obligated to comply with gender equality obligations (§4). Therefore, Independent Research Fund Denmark always considers candidates of both genders (m/f) to ensure gender balance.