Independent Research Fund Denmark finances research of the highest international calibre and supports groundbreaking research in Denmark. The fund invests in high-risk research driven by researchers' own best ideas, both within and across scientific disciplines. It promotes the internationalisation of research and supports both emerging research talent and experienced researchers. Each year, the fund also allocates thematic funding to political and strategic initiatives.
Independent Research Fund Denmark is a public fund under the Ministry of Higher Education and Science and the office of Independent Research Fund Denmark is a part of the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science. The fund is often referred to by its abbreviation, “DFF.”
The fund consists of a board, five research councils, and a cross-council committee – a total of 84 permanent members – as well as a number of ad hoc committee members appointed for one year at a time to allocate the politically designated thematic research funds. All members of the fund are recognised and active researchers.
The fund's research councils and cross-council committee:
The purpose of the fund is to support independent research and foster the development of new and original knowledge, which forms the foundation for the society of the future. Independent Research Fund Denmark invests not only in research of the highest international quality but also strengthens groundbreaking research in Denmark.
Each year, the fund processes approximately 4,000 applications and awards research grants totalling around DKK 2 billion (2025 figures) to approximately 500 pioneering research projects across all scientific disciplines. These funds are allocated through an open competition, where applications are assessed solely based on their scientific quality and the applicant’s qualifications to carry out the research project.
Since 2018, the fund has also allocated funding for politically defined themes through annual political agreements on the distribution of the research reserve. These thematic funds complement independent, curiosity-driven research. The thematic and independent funds differ in that thematic funds are awarded under a specific, politically determined theme, whereas independent funds are open to ideas across all themes and scientific fields. For both independent and thematic funds, applications are based on researchers’ own best ideas within the specific field or theme.
In addition to its core mission of allocating research funding, Independent Research Fund Denmark provides research-based advice to the minister, the Danish Parliament, and the broader national and international research landscape. This advice draws on the expertise and academic diversity of the fund's 84 board and council members, all of whom are recognised, active researchers.
The fund receives its budget through the Danish Finance Act, including annual agreements on the distribution of the research reserve.
Read the Act on Independent Research Fund Denmark here (Danish).
