New thematic instrument: Information on the Co-PI model

With the introduction of the new thematic instrument, collaboration will be an essential evaluation criterion for applications. Therefore, all thematic applications must include a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI).

Read the news article: New framework for thematic research in 2025.

Independent Research Fund Denmark has decided to publish the requirements for applicants and Co-PIs ahead of the official call announcement, as the new instrument introduces changes to the fund’s thematic application process.

Requirements for applicants and Co-PIs

For all themes, a fundamental requirement is that both the applicant and the Co-PI must hold a Ph.D. degree or equivalent qualifications at the time of application.

For the following themes, additional specific requirements apply to applicants and Co-PIs:

• Research on antisemitism: The applicant and Co-PI must come from different academic environments and/or research institutions. It is possible to apply with a research project that includes collaboration between two different academic environments, departments, or similar entities within the same research institution.
• Strengthened research in specialized social services: The applicant and Co-PI must come from different academic environments and/or research institutions. It is possible to apply with a research project that includes collaboration between two different academic environments, departments, or similar entities within the same research institution.
• Research on elderly and ageing: The applicant and Co-PI must come from different research disciplines, as projects must be multidisciplinary. Collaboration between researchers from different research disciplines within the same research institution is permitted.

For the following themes, no additional requirements apply to applicants and Co-PIs:

• Research on vulnerability and poor well-being
• Research on artificial intelligence
• Research on learning and well-being in primary schools
• Research in psychiatry
• Strengthened clinical and independent research
• Green research
• Arctic research – Climate change and sustainable arctic communities: However, applications must include collaboration between researchers from at least two different research institutions. For example, the applicant and Co-PI may be affiliated with different research institutions in Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and/or Denmark, but this is not a requirement. The fund encourages such collaborations where relevant but emphasizes that projects without this specific type of collaboration are still eligible to apply and receive funding under this theme.

The fund reserves the right to make minor adjustments in connection with the publication of the thematic call.

Please note that there may be additional theme-specific requirements that your application must meet. These will be outlined in the call, which is expected to be published in March.

Additionally, please note that the "Postdoctoral Exchange Programme in Quantum Research" is not covered by the new thematic instrument. Instead, this theme must be applied for within the existing framework of the DFF-International Postdoc instrument, which requires the applicant to spend 12 months abroad and 12 months at the Danish host institution.

Contact

Email: DFF-opslag@ufm.dk
Phone: +45 72 31 82 00 (weekdays 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)