97 million DKK goes to the green transition

The programme for Independent Green Research focuses on improving the quality of Danish research and supporting career development for the emerging layer of Danish research, including younger researchers. Therefore, each research idea receives support of up to 2.8 million DKK, and each research project runs for three to four years.

Minister for Higher Education and Science, Christina Egelund, says about Independent Research Fund Denmark's program 'Independent Green Research':
"As Minister for Research and a research enthusiast, I am very pleased to see the great creativity and dedication that this year's recipients of funding for independent green research are excellent examples of. With the program, we reward the curiosity of young researchers, which is crucial for an idea to sprout into a research project that can eventually lead to important green solutions for the benefit of us all and our planet. I look forward to following the projects and the young researchers in their further progress."

See the research projects under ‘Independent Green Research’ on the overview of thematic research in 2024 here

Chair of the Board, Jørgen Frøkiær, states:
"With the programme 'Independent Green Research,' we have openly and broadly invited researchers to come up with their best ideas. And I am pleased that the level is incredibly high. It is an outstanding program to create a breeding ground for research ideas that can truly make a difference in the green transition because it provides space and resources for the researchers' own promising ideas."

Among the 31 new green research projects are research on green justice, energy efficiency, self-cooling batteries, sustainable foods, and learning for children and young people about climate, energy, and sustainability.

Green ideas selected among the best

Researchers from all parts of the scientific world have submitted their ideas to the fund. Jan Kofoed Schjørring, Professor of Plant Nutrition at the University of Copenhagen, chairs the thematic committee that has just selected the 31 new, original ideas under 'Independent Green Research.' He states:

"The applications had an exceptionally high level of expertise, and I attribute that, among other things, to the fact that it is the researchers' own ideas that have been given room and space to unfold. The researchers themselves have so many original and good ideas that are relevant to the green transition and green research, and now 31 of these ideas have the opportunity to make a difference through the 'Independent Green Research' programme."

A broadly composed thematic committee has assessed the many green research ideas. The thematic committee consists of nine international and nine Danish members, collectively representing various scientific disciplines.

At the allocation meeting, which spans three days, members of the thematic committee gather to select the best applications. Chair Jan Kofod Schjørring describes the committee's work: "The allocation of research funds for independent green research takes place in a very constructive atmosphere with good discussions focusing on the potential of the applications for scientific progress. In the committee, there is a great curiosity about each other's expertise, which leads to some really good and constructive discussions."