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The independent research flourishes with 52 new excellent research projects

With 318 million Danish kroner from the Independent Research Fund Denmark, 52 talented researchers will elevate Danish research to new heights with innovative and excellent research projects.

Lysegrønne trætoppe fotograferet nedefra med lidt blå himmel set gennem de lysegrønne blade

These 52 researchers have just received funding from the Independent Research Fund Denmark under the DFF-Research Project2 initiative for their promising and original research ideas across all scientific disciplines. The grants provide these excellent researchers with the opportunity to pursue their most innovative ideas and will promote innovative Danish research.

The projects span a wide range of topics, exploring diverse subjects such as how Danish colonies with African slaves created the creole language, how young people worldwide influence each other to use drugs through trends, and how we might prevent bacteria resistance to antibiotics using a single bacterial regulator.

»When we allocate funds for independent research, we enable the most talented researchers to pursue their best ideas. This is the foundation for ground-breaking research. We can see that these research projects cover a wide range of themes and research fields, but what they have in common is that they can, in various ways, contribute to improving our lives and lifestyles and making us wiser about the world we live in. I look forward to following the progress of the researchers and seeing what innovative projects will unfold,« says Søren Serritzlew, Chair of the Board of the Independent Research Fund Denmark.

See all DFF-Research Project2 grants here 

Well-being in a Virtual World

A DFF-Research Project2 provides the opportunity for individual researchers to realise their excellent research idea. There is tough competition for funding, and only about 9 out of 100 applicants receive grants.

The many research projects come from all parts of the scientific world: from a focus on intelligent drones, to mercury's climate impact, and to how artificial intelligence can help us optimise our gut microbiome from childhood.

One project examines the possibility of living a good life in virtual worlds. Many, especially young people, increasingly live their lives online or move freely between virtual and physical spaces, but many consider this less healthy than being in the "real" world. The research project will provide new knowledge for our fundamental understanding of what it means to live a good life while also providing insights for the future design of virtual environments and guidelines for their use.

Note that the mentioned amounts may change after the upcoming budget review.

 

Facts: DFF-Research Project2

  • Each year, the Independent Research Fund Denmark’s five scientific councils undertake the task of selecting the best and most ground-breaking research projects. The councils are composed of 75 recognised researchers with high professional expertise.
  • In total, 570 researchers have applied for the DFF-Research Project2 initiative.
  • 52 applicants have been granted a total of 318 million DKK. This gives an overall success rate of 9 percent, both in terms of amount and number of applications.
  • DFF-Research Project2 typically runs for up to 4.5 years and involves multiple researchers (including postdoc candidates and Ph.D. students) with a financial framework ranging from 2 to 4.3 million DKK excluding overhead.
  • A DFF-Research Project2 is often characterised by being a coordinated and committed collaboration, and applicants must have significant, independent research experience at a high international level. 

 

May 08, 2024